In the repair shop, few issues can be as perplexing and frustrating as diagnosing intermittent problems, and that’s even more so for electrical issues like failures. It’s an elusive problem that can test the patience and expertise of even the most seasoned technicians.
Are they more prevalent than you’d expect? It’s likely, and it shows up in the comeback customers who’ve had their battery replaced without correcting the symptom they brought their car in for, as well as vehicles with a ‘no fault found’ diagnosis. Here’s what you could face, what can cause intermittent issues like these, and what to do about it.
Why Intermittent Battery Failures Can Be Such an Issue
Unlike outright battery failures, intermittent issues can come and go, making it difficult to pinpoint the root cause. The issue is elusive, but as a repair shop, customers believe you’re capable of finding the cause quickly and correcting it confidently, but it’s seldom that simple.
For technicians and service managers, this can lead to customer dissatisfaction and repeated visits, impacting the credibility of your service center. It results in refunded transactions, time the technician may not be able to bill, and warranty chargebacks – each that cost the time money too.
Symptoms and Causes of Intermittent Battery Failures
What might appear to be a battery issue could be something completely different. Diagnosis can involve tracing wiring harnesses and checking continuity, testing modules, and a range of other tests. An intermittent dead battery, though, can be from any number of things including these.
Loose Connections
It’s a fairly common situation where a battery cable, or a connection at the alternator or junction block can be slightly loose. This poor connection can is a roadblock for charging the battery, but it can be intermittent when road vibrations cause it to move slightly.
Age and Wear
As batteries age, their internal resistance increases, reducing their ability to hold a charge. This gradual decline can lead to intermittent starting issues, especially under high electrical loads. Regular testing and monitoring of battery health can help identify aging batteries before they fail completely.
Damaged Plates
For vehicles that experience a lot of jostling and vibration, whether it’s off-roading, working on jobsites, or in heavy industries, battery plates can get damaged due to movement. When the active lead material comes off of plates, it can settle in the bottom of the case and cause an internal short, or displaced plates can short intermittently short against each other momentarily. While the short might be occasional, the battery is damaged to the point of requiring replacement.
Electrical Issues
Corroded terminals and parasitic drains are common culprits behind intermittent battery failures. These issues can cause inconsistent power delivery, leading to symptoms such as dim lights, slow cranking, and erratic electrical behavior.
Practical Diagnostic Methods and Tools
A battery test is the starting point for any diagnostic process related to the battery, and Midtronics diagnostic testers lead the industry. The battery should pass a voltage and starting test, but that doesn’t always mean it’s in perfect shape. For intermittent problems, it might be necessary to repeat the test several times during the course of the visit.
A visual inspection is the next step. Look for signs of corrosion on terminals, frayed cables, and physical damage to the battery casing. Even minor issues can contribute to intermittent failures.
For more complex issues, advanced diagnostic tools like thermal imaging cameras can provide deeper insights. These tools can identify internal shorts, hot spots, and other anomalies that may not be evident through basic testing.
Strategies for Addressing Intermittent Battery Failures
Regular maintenance is key to preventing battery issues. This includes cleaning terminals, checking connections, and ensuring the charging system is functioning correctly. Catch potential problems early with battery tests every time the customer brings their vehicle to the shop, even for the quickest services like installing a bulb or wiper blades.
When dealing with intermittent issues, patience and persistence are crucial. Perform a thorough inspection of the entire electrical system, including the alternator, starter, and wiring. Look for patterns in the symptoms and use elimination techniques to narrow down the potential causes.
The Importance of Professional Expertise
The field of automotive repair is constantly evolving, with new technologies and diagnostic tools emerging regularly. Staying updated through continuous learning and training is essential for diagnosing and resolving complex issues like intermittent battery failures. And as battery technology increases and vehicles are more advanced, it gets more complicated to diagnose intermittent issues. It’s even more important for technicians to hone their skills.
Demonstrating expertise and providing reliable solutions builds trust with your customers. When customers see that you can resolve difficult issues, they are more likely to return and recommend your services to others.
Mastering the art of diagnosing intermittent battery failures gives you a competitive edge in the automotive service industry. It showcases your ability to handle challenging problems and enhances your reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable professional.
Conclusion
Diagnosing intermittent automotive battery failures is challenging but customers are counting on the expertise that shops provide to keep their cars reliable. By understanding the technical aspects of batteries, recognizing symptoms and causes, and employing practical diagnostic methods, you can effectively address these issues. The key lies in continuous learning, preventative maintenance, and building trust with your customers.
