I wonder if someone with multiecuscan can log the voltage when they first crank the car over. Even after a drive mine drops down to 9.6 volts as its cranking. I would expect it to drop to around 10v. Could just the way the ECU is measuring it. Just need something to compare with

When I first got the car in August the power steering cut out a few times. Seem to fix itself. Recently its done it a few times again. Suspect the car may have stood awhile and the battery was week when I bought it and now its colder its showing up a weakness in the battery.


Thanks in advance

With those symptoms I'd be reckoning on getting a new battery fitted. The power steering is quite power hungry so it requires a good battery to keep it running correctly.

koalar said:

I wonder if someone with multiecuscan can log the voltage when they first crank the car over. Even after a drive mine drops down to 9.6 volts as its cranking. I would expect it to drop to around 10v. Could just the way the ECU is measuring it. Just need something to compare with

Thanks in advance

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to save us all comparing apples to oranges..

what engine? ,
what year..??,

cranking with clutch UP or DOWN..??

Good point it's not an orange it's blue ha ha
Anyway it's a
1.2
2005

Don't think it matter too much about the clutch but will go for clutch out so its under slightly more load.

It sounds like you are about due for a new battery. However as the ECU measures the voltage at it's input it is subject to any voltage drop caused bu ad cables or connections, especially the battery to chassis and engine block. If you have a multimeter try checking directly across the battery posts while cranking. Another good check is how the battery voltage recovers after cranking. Measure the voltage while cranking and then turn the igntion off as soon as the engine fires. With a good battery the voltage will come back up to 12V within a couple of seconds.

Robert G8RPI.

My bike has two 600cc pistons and a 14AH battery. Cranking voltage is about 12.5 so I'd say you are well overdue for a new battery.

Cheers Dave.

I will keep an eye on it. Not failed in the last few trip. Did notice a bit of belt slip when I went through a puddle. I will fix that first. Could be as simple as the ancillary belt.

Koalar, save yourself a lot of time and stress, beg or borrow a jump lead and connect it from a substantial bolt on the engine or gearbox to a substantial paint free bolt on the bodywork. Now try starting the car and check the voltage drop, has it improved greatly? Yes ? You've an earth strap fault. No ? Then the battery is fritzed and will let you down very soon. A new battery should cost you £35 or less online, delivered next day unless you live in the Outer Hebrides.

martroy said:

Koalar, save yourself a lot of time and stress, beg or borrow a jump lead and connect it from a substantial bolt on the engine or gearbox to a substantial paint free bolt on the bodywork. Now try starting the car and check the voltage drop, has it improved greatly? Yes ? You've an earth strap fault. No ? Then the battery is fritzed and will let you down very soon. A new battery should cost you £35 or less online, delivered next day unless you live in the Outer Hebrides.

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Good tip

Have some commercial jumps lead so will give that a try.