Having truck trouble is never a pleasant experience, especially when you're ready to leave home or you're already on the road. One of the most common problems is that the semi truck just won't start. What can be the cause of this? Well, the most common answer is that the battery is dead.
Knowing how to identify when your truck's battery is failing is crucial to avoid getting stranded. Learn with RoadPro how to tell if battery is dead and what to do when it happens.
- Engine Starts Slowly
Slow starting is one of the first and clearest signs that your battery is dead. If you notice that the engine sounds like it's straining to start when you turn the key, the battery may be close to being drained. This happens because there is not enough charge in the battery to operate the starter motor normally.
What to do? If you notice this sign, it is advisable not to keep forcing the starter. Sometimes you just need to take a break and charge the battery. But if this keeps happening, it's best to replace the battery before it leaves you stranded and you have a hard time.
Also, consider carrying a portable battery charger with you at all times or having the contact of a roadside assist service on hand. If you want to know more about this type of service, check out: When To Call For Roadside Assistance? 10 Reasons Why You Need It.
- Weak Lights and Electrical Devices
Another sign that the battery is dead or about to die is that the dashboard lights, headlights and other electrical devices appear weaker than usual. The semi truck's electrical systems are completely dependent on the battery, so when the battery doesn't have enough charge, all of these systems begin to fail.
If you turn on the headlights and notice that they are less bright than usual, this is a clear sign that the battery is dead. It is also evident when windshield wipers work more slowly or when the radio suddenly shuts off.
What to do? The first thing to do is to turn off all electrical devices and try to start the truck again. If it starts, chances are the battery is low and needs to be replaced soon. If it won't start, it's time to call a 24 hour truck & trailer service or get help to charge the battery.
- Dashboard Warning Lights
Modern trucks and trailers come equipped with multiple warning lights on the dashboard, one of which indicates problems with the battery or charging system. If you see a light that has a battery symbol or a signal saying “ALT” or “GEN”, it is a warning that the battery is dead or the alternator is not working properly.
What to do? If this light is on, don't ignore it. Ideally, you should go to a repair shop as soon as possible to have both the battery and the charging system checked. If you're on the road and cannot go immediately, call an emergency roadside assistance service to help you on site.
- Rotten Egg Smell
A lesser known but equally important sign is a strong rotten egg smell coming from the engine. This smell usually indicates that the battery is overcharged or there is a battery acid leak, which could mean that the battery is dead or about to fail.
This odor is caused by leaking hydrogen sulfide gas coming from inside the battery, and is not something you should ignore, as it can be dangerous.
What to do? If you smell something like this, turn off the semi truck immediately and check the condition of the battery. If you notice that it is swollen or that there is leaked fluid, don't try to manipulate it on your own as those liquids are toxic. It is better to call a professional or a battery replacement service to solve the problem.
- Electrical System Problems
In addition to weakened lights and electrical devices, other problems with your semi truck's electrical system can also be a sign that your battery is dead. These include power windows that don't work properly, heated seats that don't heat up, or the air conditioning system that doesn't blow as hard as usual.
These problems are usually caused because the battery no longer has enough power to support all the electrical demands of the semi truck.
What to do? If you notice several electrical components failing at the same time, it's a clear sign that you should check the battery. You can try turning off some electrical devices and see if performance improves. If not, a computerized diagnostic will be necessary.
- Battery Housing Is Swollen
Another physical sign that the battery is dead is that the battery casing looks swollen or deformed. This is usually an indication that the battery has been exposed to extreme temperatures, which has caused the chemicals inside the battery to expand and deform the casing.
What to do? In this case, it is vital to replace the battery immediately. A swollen battery is a danger, as it can explode if it continues to be used. Don't attempt to start the truck or charge the battery if you notice this deformation. Instead, call a roadside assist service to help you replace it safely
7. Strange Clicking or Clacking Noises When Trying to Start the Car
If all you hear when you turn the key is clicking or making strange noises instead of hearing the engine start, it's another clear sign that your battery is dead. Clicks usually indicate that the starter motor is trying to run, but doesn't have enough power to start the engine.
What to do? The first thing you can try is checking the battery connections to make sure they are clean and tight. If connections are OK, but the car still won't start, you most likely need a new battery.
8. The Semi Truck Needs Frequent Starting
Finally, if you find yourself in a situation where you constantly need to jump start the truck or ask others for help to start it, it is a clear sign that your battery is dead. If this is happening to you more than once, it's time to accept that your battery has reached the end of its useful life.
What to do? At this point, it is useless trying to revive the battery. The best option is to replace it as soon as possible to avoid further problems. Make sure you choose a good quality battery and that it is well maintained for optimizing its useful life.
What To Do If You Are Stranded?
Being stuck with a truck that won't start is frustrating, but it's not the end of the world. If you find yourself in a situation where your battery is dead and you can't start the engine, the first thing to do is stay calm.
If you're in a safe place, check the battery for any obvious problems, such as loose connections or corrosion. If everything seems to be fine, but the truck still won't start, it's time to call for help.
How to tell if battery is dead? This is where roadside assist comes in. This type of service helps you troubleshoot problems on the road, such as jump-starting the battery, changing a tire or even providing you with fuel.
Calling a reliable roadside assistance service is a great way to make sure you always have someone to help you in case of emergency.
4 Tips for Avoiding Future Battery Problems
While it's not always possible to prevent a battery from damage, there are some things you can do to prolong its life:
- Keep the terminals clean: corrosion on the battery terminals can interfere with the battery's operation, so try to keep them clean.
- Check the battery frequently: if you notice that your semi truck is starting slowly or the lights are dim, check the battery before it fails completely.
- Avoid leaving lights or devices on: make sure all lights and electrical devices are turned off before leaving the truck or trailer.
- Don't ignore warning signs: if anything seems out of the ordinary with your truck, check the battery as soon as possible.
With these tips and a little caution, you can avoid many of the problems associated with a damaged battery and enjoy driving without the risk of being stranded. However, if the battery is dead and you are unable to resolve this fault on your own, RoadPro is always available to help. Our company provides a wide range of services for semi trucks, trailers and RVs in Atlanta & 100 miles around.