Van starting issues

[masterclean5]

Recently, my van will not start on occasion. Awhile back I cleaned the posts, etc on both batteries. Then, in recent months, I'm now realizing I wasn't getting the best contact of battery clamps with the terminals because when I restored the "clampability" of the clamp with the terminal, I was getting much more consistent turning over power of the engine. But now, even with more consistent longevity of "turning over the engine" power, sometimes I'm not getting enough voltage to get the motor running. (Thanks for letting me ramble...does this make sense?)

I'm suspecting the batteries(one at least 3 1/2-4yrs old) and the other perhaps older may just be on their way out.(At least 1 is a Napa, maybe the other also---original owner doesn't remember)

Just talked to the original owner and he said that after getting a full charge(last night), turn the lights on for a couple of minutes, then check the battery voltage. It/They should read 12.4-12.6; if lower, they're probably on their way out. Do you agree with this test? I'm going to go do this right now soon.

Thanks in advance for your help

[Patrick Feeley]

If you can, have each battery load tested independent from one another (cables disconnected from both). Make sure ALL your cable ends (battery ends and the other cable ends) are clean and tight. If one battery tests bad, REPLACE BOTH BATTERIES! Cheers!

[masterclean5]

"Just talked to the original owner and he said that after getting a full charge(last night), turn the lights on for a couple of minutes, then check the battery voltage. It/They should read 12.4-12.6; if lower, they're probably on their way out. Do you agree with this test? I'm going to go do this right now soon."

Well, I did the above(disconnecting one battery from the other). The battery underneath the van read 12.3 volts; the battery under the hood read 12.5 volts. Perhaps the battery underneath is on the way out? If so, apparently I need to replace both...

[Patrick Feeley]

Have them load tested. Cheers!