tarmacterrorist

Hello all...got a mate that has the Misubishi FTO & has the following problem.

Battery light is lit which could mean that the alternator is not charging the battery or there is a problem with the battery itself.

Does anyone know if having a faulty battery would make this light come on ? Is there any tests that could be done to determine if the alternator is giving a charge ? Have used a meter which shows that 13.8 volts is getting to the battery so I would assume the alternator is working okay ?

Any help would really be appreciated.

Edited to say: Hope this is okay in this forum

ANdy.

[Edited by tarmacterrorist - 4/23/2002 12:44:35 PM]

[Edited by tarmacterrorist - 4/23/2002 1:00:39 PM]

Hanslow

Sounds like the charge circuit could be OK then, but is the battery holding charge? Is it old? Does it need topping up with electrolyte? Can he 'borrow' a battery to try it out, i.e. just turning ignition and leaving to idle for a few mins?

What does the battery read as voltage output without car running? Also, measure the voltage across the battery with engine running and turn all electrics, heaters, etc. on to provide huge drain. It should still be able to cope with this.


[Edited by Hanslow - 4/23/2002 1:06:48 PM]

tarmacterrorist

Thanks Hanslow...I was thinking along the same lines but a reality check is always a good idea.
He is hoping that it is the battery as the alternator costs megabucks

Andy.

KevinH

the Fto has a battery voltage gauge, so you should be able to get some info from that.

if the voltage is much less than 12 with the ignition on, but the engine not running, I would say the battery is gone.
with the engine running voltage should rise to just under 14v, if not get the alternator checked.

if you decide a new battery is required, you'll either have to make a special order, or change the battery terminals to std UK size. As the Fto terminals are smaller than std.

finally if you want to get some advise from Fto owners there is a very active mail list ;

http://www.smartgroups.co.uk/group/group.cfm?GID=179410

well hung

FTO owners club --- www.ftooc.org hope it helps.

tarmacterrorist

Thanks peeps.
Have sent on the info.
Andy.