Every year around this time when outdoor temperatures are falling it seems like people comment about batteries and charging systems. Myself included. While I do have the 1.4L gasser, I believe similar charging theory is used for the diesel.
The cruze has such a complicated charging computer control based on outdoor temperatures, and the usage of the battery. I've found having a battery tender on the battery when the outdoor temperature falls is a good idea. Especially when the ambient temperature fluctuates around 32F or right around zero.
I've pulled the factory battery 3 times and had it tested on the big Midronics 800 tester, and it tests out ok. But every year I grab the tender to top up the battery until daily temperatures remain below 32F, then it seems to be ok.
6 years, and the factory 2012 battery still tests at greater than 525CCA.
The cruze has such a complicated charging computer control based on outdoor temperatures, and the usage of the battery. I've found having a battery tender on the battery when the outdoor temperature falls is a good idea. Especially when the ambient temperature fluctuates around 32F or right around zero.
I've pulled the factory battery 3 times and had it tested on the big Midronics 800 tester, and it tests out ok. But every year I grab the tender to top up the battery until daily temperatures remain below 32F, then it seems to be ok.
6 years, and the factory 2012 battery still tests at greater than 525CCA.
