Guys/Girls

Can car batteries fail intermittently?

Over the last couple of days (intermittently) I have had flat battery symptoms, really slow engine turnover and won't start, but the more i attempts i make to start the car the better it gets until eventually we are back to full power again. :nuts:

The initial start attempts must be dragging the voltage down because once the car starts i have to reset the trip computer display, audio etc. I've checked battery connections and the earth. Battery water level is good.

Any ideas?

READ NOTE BELOW FIRST!!!

Yep. It's called an open circuit. Battery output drops to zero volts, as indicated by your need to reset everything. Battery connections inside the battery can break, from heat or vibration stresses. On 2 occasions I have had batteries fail like this, you start the car, run around, switch off, go shopping, come back and nothing - no start, no lights, no volts, etc. Yet if you leave it for a while, it starts again. (2 failures over the last 30 odd years, so it is not a common problem)
My suggestion - buy a new battery, put it in the back behind the driver's seat, have the tools with you to swap them over.
Your current battery might be ok for a while, but it will eventually die completely. Permanently. Without warning. You could try backing off the hold down on the battery and maybe give the battery and the terminals a gentle thump, and try to start again.
If it has a warranty take it in and explain the problem.

PS How much you pay for a battery doesn't seem to help, I now buy cheap 300 CCA batteries and expect them to last 3 to 4 years, haven't had a sudden failure with a cheapie yet. 300 CCA batteries crank my 2.6 manual and 3.0L auto TSs just fine.

NOTE: NOTE: NOTE:
Of course, it could just be the terminal connections. When you have a no crank situation, feel the terminals on the battery. If one is hot, clean it. Your battery might be fine if this is the problem. If you have a no start situation, use a multimeter, with headlights on, to confirm the battery is dead.

Just get the battery tested......and dont drive around with a loose battery inside your car as stated above.....fumes, projectile etc.:facepalm