You will need a new battery in your truck after about three to four years. This is the average lifespan of a car battery. A standard car battery, which is what is in your light-duty truck, is a 12-volt battery. It contains six cells that generate two volts each. If you’re having any of the problems listed below, it is time to replace the battery in your truck.
Battery Warning Light
One of the first things that can happen is the engine control unit, the main computer chip, may turn on the battery light on the dashboard. This is a sign that the battery is not holding its charge and producing as much voltage as it normally produces. This light will stay on until you replace the battery.
Difficulty Starting the Truck
You may also start to have problems firing up your truck. If you have to jump-start the battery frequently, it is getting too old and needs to be replaced. In addition, if the truck’s engine cranks several times before it starts, the battery is too old and needs to be replaced.
Malfunctioning Electronics
You will also start to have problems with anything that uses electricity in the truck. This can include the starter, the spark plugs, the power seats and windows, the touchscreen, and the USB charging ports. Unfortunately, a dying battery will not send enough power to these components.
Corrosion on the Terminals
It might be a good idea to pop the hood and check the battery if you are having any of the problems discussed above. You want to see if the terminals or battery cables have corrosion on them. If they do, the battery is leaking water and acid. Unfortunately, there’s no way to repair this. We will have to replace the battery.
Leaking Sulfuric Acid Odors
You can confirm that the battery is leaking sulfuric acid by smelling around the battery to see if you smell rotten eggs. If you do, this is sulfuric acid. Bring your truck to our shop as soon as possible so we can replace the leaking battery before it causes additional damage.
It is also crucial that you bring your truck to our shop if the battery case is misshapen. When the case cracks, bubbles, or warps, this is a sign that the chemical reaction inside the battery has gone bad. In fact, your battery may stop generating power and you will be stuck with a dead engine.