Can a bad battery make a car run sluggish?

From personal experence if its a small 4cyl car that doesnt have loads of power to begin with. A battery with a weak cell that doesnt come upto full voltage will run the alternator harder and use more power from the engine. I cant say this will make it sluggish. But its a noticeable power difference when your alternator is making power to run the car and when its going full out trying to charge a bad battery.

A battery is only used to start your engine. Once started, the battery is being charged by either the alternator or generator for it's next use during startup.

I'd check the fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires (spraying them with WD-40 will eliminate moisture from getting in the wires which could cause weak or no spark at all) or have a tune-up. Also, check inside the distributor cap for any moisture accumulation.

Another possibility could be condensation in the gas. Put one pint of 'Dry Gas' in the tank to allow any moisture to burn off. Let the tank go to almost empty before refilling again with gas.

Note: 'Dry Gas' should be used on every other fill up to eliminate condensation in gas tanks that are not kept full all the time or during seasonal temperature changes.

Suljer Virginia Beach, VA

The only way I have ever seen that happen is when the altanator was not putting out and it will not run long.