Brdman*

Went out to start the car this morning, cranked over real slow, and volt gauge reads about 10V. Once started, volt gauge showed 14+ volts, the normal reading. Took it for a 10min drive to charge the battery.

Seems like the alternator is charging ok. Couple hours later, it won't start at all.

Can the battery die this fast? The day before everything was normal. I looked to see if anything was draining the system, but found nothing. Cleaned the ground strap...

Is this just a classic case of new battery time?

MikTip

during the summer months, the heat is not good for lead-acid batteries.

How old is the battery?

Brdman*

Lead acid also do not recover well from deep discharge.

JWG

before it goes completely dead. In your case, you probably did not notice the few extra cranks the engine took turn over until later.

So, it sounds like "just a classic case of new battery time" to me also.

elric

My A4's original battery went out after 4 years of central Texas heat.

I'm very happy when I can get 5 years out of a battery.

Your 9 years has to be a record .

Brdman*

got it last year at 86000 km (about 50 000miles), battery died yesterday at 65000 miles