Tommyd16 Posted November 24, 2014 Share Posted November 24, 2014 Went to jump in the car the other day and battery was dead. Jumped it this evening and started fine. Drive about 20 miles with no issues. Reversed into a parking space. Put both windows down so I could see properly and when putting them back up together it seemed to be draining a lot of power. Lights went dim. Reved the car ran it for a further 5-10 minutes. Made sure everything was off. Turned the car off. Went to start it again and wouldn't start with symptoms of a flat battery. I had no warning lights or anything previous so I suspect the alternator is fine and guessing its just a duff battery? What's people's opinions? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted November 25, 2014 Share Posted November 25, 2014 Could be either, jump start it then check battery voltage on a fast idle, should be over 13.5 / 14V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novak Posted November 25, 2014 Share Posted November 25, 2014 I reckon your alternator does not charge properly or battery completely dead and does not hold power any more. Easy to check. KWIK FIT and most garages will rectify for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommyd16 Posted November 25, 2014 Author Share Posted November 25, 2014 With the card at idle I get over 13v across the battery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted November 25, 2014 Share Posted November 25, 2014 I would say that's marginal, would want 13.8 or a bit more volts. Load the system up with headlights heater blower, heated screen, wipers etcetera and see what it gives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommyd16 Posted November 25, 2014 Author Share Posted November 25, 2014 Would you suggest the alternator then with the system under load and low volts? I'm away from the car so can't test it at the minute. I thought if it was the alternator though there would be a battery warning light or similar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted November 25, 2014 Share Posted November 25, 2014 If the alternator hasn't actually failed and is outputting some voltage and current the warning light may well not turn on. But it may output too little power to effectively charge the battery, you need to test it again under load. And get the battery load tested, which needs special gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommyd16 Posted November 25, 2014 Author Share Posted November 25, 2014 I'm going to throw a new battery in on Thursday and if that dosent sort it I will take it to a garage to get tested. I have been meaning to get a new alternator anyway because mine doesn't look too brilliant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraLEDrears Posted November 25, 2014 Share Posted November 25, 2014 Do they not have a regulator? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novak Posted November 25, 2014 Share Posted November 25, 2014 It will be a regulator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommyd16 Posted November 25, 2014 Author Share Posted November 25, 2014 Regulator? Where's that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novak Posted November 26, 2014 Share Posted November 26, 2014 google it mate, just before starting replace parts get it rectified - 13V is low should be 14-14.6V. But your issue it will be around alternator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommyd16 Posted November 27, 2014 Author Share Posted November 27, 2014 Stuck a new battery in. On idle getting 13.9v and fully loaded with everything on getting 13.5v across the battery. Started it a couple if times and all seems well - fingers crossed. I checked the voltage of the old battery and it was on 8v when I took it out. That was after a half drive on Monday and has been sat since Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novak Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 It is still a bit under - I am worried you will drain battery with the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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