97MaximaSE

what should the battery voltage be when the car is off...mine is reading 12.8 which sounds low to me

Loe max

iTrader: (6)

14.1-14.7volts

Check your alternator also. If your alternator comes in below 14.1 volts, then its your Alternator slowing dying and not the battery. If the alternator comes within 14.1-14.7, then its your battery and or/connections leading to and from the battery.

I should also add that once it gets below a certain treshold (IIRC 11.9 or less) your BRAKE and VOLTAGE light will come on. This is a signal that you should get it fixed immediately unless you enjoy being stranded.

al71469

Engine off ... turn headlight on to put a load on the battery. If battery is reading about 12 vdc than it is fine.

Battery that doesn't have a load on it tends to have a higher voltage due to surface charge.