2002 Santa Fe Cranking/starting problem

My wife's Santa Fe, 2002, 6 Cyl 4wd has strted to show starting problems.
The other day we went to the drive-in movies. The vehicle was not
running, and she had to use electrical accessories at times for our baby,
including a bottle warmer.

When leaving, the vehicle would not start. It demonstrated all the
classic low battery signs, slow crank, clicking and such. After a bit of
swearing and "now what do we do's" It slowly cranked and started.

Now, today, my wife got in, started just fine. Drove to the mall. Left
the mall , again started fine. Drove to post office.... with AC cranked,
and a bit of traffic delays, a lot of stop and go, gets to the post
office, goes in and comes out. Tries to start truck..... dead... real
slow crank, click..... she swears, calls me, and while talking to me it
starts.

I suspect the battery. the electrical loads should not hurt a healthy
battery. I figure it was borderline. Whith the loads both at the
movies, and the stop and go driving with AC cranked would pull more juice
than the alternator could provide during these conditions. As such I
plan on replacing the battery.

No my actual questions:

This is 2 year old vehicle with the factory battery. Can the battery be
bad already?

And... this vehicle is "hyundai certified".. did the people going over it
miss the possible weak battery... we've had the truck only 2 months.

Any input folks?

Thanks!

 

My Santa Fe, 2002, 6 Cyl 4wd had a battery failure after about 1 year.
Replaced on warranty.
Al

__
Arold "Al" Green

 

Thanks... We have the remainder of the mfgrs warranty, but I am not sure if
it has lapsed on batteries..... nonetheless, it is good news.... santa fe
batteries can fail early.

I just got it off the charger..... performed perfect, versus the slow crank
when I checked it before the charge.

 

The battery warranty is:
0-2 years, free replacement.
2-3 years, free labor, you pay 75% parts.
After that, you're on your own.

I replace many batteries in the 2-3 year period.

 

My recommedation for the owner nearing the 2 year point is to have the
battery load tested at an auto parts store. Many do it
free-of-charge. It is tests low have the dealer replace it under
warranty before the 2 years are up.

Old_Timer

 

that makes me feel better. i just bought a new battery today to
replace the original which is only a bit over 3 years old. it has been
losing charge to a point where it fails to crank the engine after 4
days.
i do feel however that i've contributed to what i feel is a reduced
lifespan by having run it flat twice by not closing the hatch properly
and draining it via the inside lamp.

I have a webcam in the tropics
http://ii.net/~farmerjim/