General Bad Earth!!

[skiprat1974]

Hi all,

Battery wont charge - replaced battery 3 weks ago, still wont charge - bought and just replaced new alternator and belt - still not charging! When I jump start the car to get it started (as battery now reads approx 8v and wont start on its own) I checked the voltage going into the battery and it fluctuates between 6-10v rapidly. Suspect bad earth as when I put the headlight switch on the rev counter drops to zero and then soon is followed by cut out. Ive checked and cleaned all 4 earthing points under the bonnet, but read in the Haynes manual that there are another 2. These are rear left and right back panel? Whereabouts please?
Regards,

 

[rallycinq]

Have you done the one on the gear selector?

Cheers

D

 

[skiprat1974]

no, didnt know there was one there! were abouts is it please mate?

 

[randomizered]

just above where the clutch cable meets the hole it passed through. Top of box front right when looking in the bay.

Kristian

 

[skiprat1974]

damn! already done that one. All 4 in engine bay done - need to know where the 2 at the back of the car are. Haynes says left and right hand back panels? - whereabouts?

 

[randomizered]

Not too sure exactly I'm afraid, but those earths will only be for stuff like the rear light clusters etc, so probably not going to be causing your problems anyway.

Is the battery warning light on the dashboard illuminated?

 

[custard]

have you closely inspected the alternator wiring?(including wires going to the starter)
i had issues on mine and eventually found the cable was worn through on the ring connector but looked complete until i removed it and bent it back

 

[skiprat1974]

I have just checked the charge from new alternator and is charging at max 5v so its back to square one and order yet another one! Damn I love dropping that engine

 

[skiprat1974]

No battery light coming on the the dash! should it of been coming on? - as alternator only seems to be able to through out 5v.

 

[custard]

with no battery light then it wont be charging.its part of the charging system not just a warning.
time to check all that wiring