My battery died without warning. Got a new one from NAPA (to replace existing NAPA). Store operator and I both noticed the current battery was bulging. In my experience --and his-- that is almost always a sign of overcharging. Until seeing this condition, I rarely looked at the battery info in my info center. Now, I'm glued to it. While driving since I installed the new battery, it pretty much stays around 15.1, to 15.3 and says "battery normal," although I'm certain I've driven and run it enough to fully charge the new battery. Tonight, however, after sitting in sub-freezing temps all day, it started at 14.4 and while idling, worked its way to 14.8. Should I worry? Anything I can look at? Thanks in advance for your input.

 

I'm thinking the battery you installed sat on the shelf a while and/or needs to be charged. Put the battery on a charger overnight and see what happens after that. It's normal to see elevated charging voltage in colder temps, but it shouldn't stay above 14.8 volts for too long if the battery is healthy and hasn't been significantly discharged prior to that.

 

Check the alternator. The regulator in the alternator may be bad.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'll try overnight charging but gotta wait now for the snow to let up. Thanks again.

 

`Took Ruley 73's advice and put on charger overnight. Looks like back to normal now. With my 10 amp charger (almost as old as I am), took a couple of sessions to get it fully charged.
Thanks for the input, all of you.