Guys

OK here goes!

Replaced the battery about 18 months ago after the last one just died with no warning. Since then I have fitted a volt meter to keep an eye on things (maybe a little OTT) however over the past couple of months I can watch the volts drop off to the extent that the car cuts out.
This can be with nothing electrical ie stereo lights etc switched on or after a long drive or just sitting at some traffic lights....

Any ideas???

Thanks

MB

 

What is the voltage when the car is moving ?

When you are moving, the voltage should read closer to 15's. If not, it is not being charged. I suspect it is charging, otherwise u wouldnt be able to go a few months but your alternator or charging circuit may not be too well as in they may be suffering from intermittent contacts.

Or you got bad batteries.

Just a likely possibility


[Edited by prana - 1/14/2004 10:33:22 AM]

 

Its only just above 12v with lights on and about 13v with them off. How long should a battery last? I thought they were usually good for about 3years?

Thanks
MB

 

Is your last comment WITH engine running, or WITHOUT?

If with, get your alternator and charging circuit looked at by a competent car electrician asap. DON'T bother with a Scoob dealer.

If it's under warranty, get it checked, pay for the check-up, and confront dealer with results.

I would rather let a local burcher look at my car's electrics than a Scoob, (any car really) dealer:

Alcazar

 

Its with will get someone to have a look I think

 

the alternator is dead or very poorly

most batteries have a three year + life

the battery should read 12-13 volts not running
14-17 running (depending on the load)

 

Valid point, although if the battery itself is damaged, the alternator may not be able support the unusually low impedance in the battery, hence the voltage drop across the battery may not show full charging voltage across the alternator (ie. voltage drop across charging circuits) even if the alternator is working properly.

Definitely though, either battery is gone, or charging circuit is faulty... electrician

 

Thanks guys will try a new battery first up as its cheaper!! I will watch it for a couple of weeks and if its still knackerd get someone to look at it.

Thanks for the info

MB