[keakar]

I think my battery might be going bad but im not sure about it and want another opinion.

I went out yesterday and the engine runs and charges at 14v just as it is designed to, but when I turn the engine off and then turn the key right back on, the battery shows 12.6v like I expect it should,.

but if i wait a minute or two and turn the key back on, it only shows 12.1v or 12.2v (I double checked with a test meter and the voltage meter is reading correctly)

after starting the engine it shows a 11.5v or 11.6v for a second or two before it jumps back up from the engine charging it.

I think the battery is about 3 years old and im thinking it should be showing a solid 12.5v all the time, so is my battery getting weak and needs replacing?

its my starting battery so its pretty important not to take any chances if its showing signs of being weak. the thing is, im not sure what a resting batteries voltage should be showing with nothing drawing power.

so, the question is, should a good battery always show at least 12.5 volts? goggle is all over the place with people saying anything from 12.0v-12.7v is ok

I should add that the battery still cranks the engine over and starts just fine, so maybe I am worrying about nothing here..