96 300d... how cold is too cold? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tankowner · #15 01-24-2008, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landev

Whew... I'll try to answer all the comments so far (THANK YOU!!!)...

First, I don't know how old the battery is. It is was with the car when I purchased it in Houston this summer. I guess what I don't understand (with regards to the battery) is... if it cranked (and cranked... and cranked) shouldn't that allude to the battery being OK? The car cranks... sometimes sputters, then cranks (no sputter.) It is not as if the car only cranked 3 or 4 times then the battery charge light came on. Am I missing something? Also, I should note I just changed all glow plugs last week, so I'm hoping that is not the issue (again!)

Well, if the battery is discharged to certain extent, then you might have enough juice to crank, but not to start. It is possible that the cold temps are pushing the limits of you CCAs (cold cranking amps) and your battery might be starting to show its age. I would just drop by a parts chain and ask them to test it out for you. Then you will know for sure. Also, you should be able to check the date on the battery to see how old it is. You can check out this link for some good battery info - it starts out basic, but builds up to some insigtful battery trivia.

http://www.autoshop101.com/autoshop16.html

Just click on the links for "Battery Basics" and "Battery Services"