Hi every one. Have a question that really isn't Bird related. Wife's car is a 04 Sable. It was hard starting yesterday. It would crank for a little bit(10- 15 seconds) before it started. Then the outside temp read out disappeared from the dash. What should the battery read when it isn't running? Right now it is about 12.6 volts. Running it is 13.7. Is the battery going south?
Thanks, Barry

That seems OK. 12.6 is good. 13.7 is a little low running.

Those reading are well within preferred limits. Since the battery in that is a side post, I would remove the cables and inspect them for terminal corrosion. You might be getting enough intermittent voltage drop for things to act funny.

That would be the first thing to check. Also have the battery load tested. You can take it to any parts store for that. If the battery is original to the car since new, there is a possibility it could be going bad being 4 years old.

13.7 sounds fine. It's lower cause the voltage reg has temperature compensation built into it. It will peak at about 14.7 when it gets cold.

I was the alternator engineer for that platform, among others....
3.0L 2V or 4V?

It's the 4v. I don't know why the exterior temp readout stopped. When I get a chance I will disconnect the battery for awhile and see if it resets the readout.
Thanks, Barry

That's a funky alternator mount. Not the easiest one to change either (but better than the SHO where you had to lower the subframe or take apart the intake).

Doesn't sound like a charging system issue, but could be an electrical problem. I agree on unhooking the battery.
Does it start normal now?

Kurt (who also was a starter engineer......