Technical Battery Problem again

[Tony123]

Ive had a problem with my battery for a couple of weeks now and it got to the point were it wouldnt start.. so i got a new battery that was more powerful than my old one because i thought all the little gadjets i have on my car would be draining it.. but 2 days later it wont start i got same problem..

When crankin it over the lights dim out then the whole dash goes off and the clock resets..
Anyone any idea what the problem could be?

 

[Davren]

As you recently fitted a new battery, I assume you've already cleaned the terminal connections so next thing is to remove and clean the battery earth strap where it connects to the engine and the body.

Dave.

 

[DaveMcT]

As you recently fitted a new battery, I assume you've already cleaned the terminal connections so next thing is to remove and clean the battery earth strap where it connects to the engine and the body.

Dave.

It might be a bit more than that, but deffo check the earths. Easy way is to clip a jump lead on the battery negative and onto the engine block. If it then works you know the source.

If that's not the problem disconnect the batt negative and put an ammeter between the terminal and lead. There should only be a few milliamps. Anything more and you need to check out which gadget isnt switching off with the ignition

Also check the alternator belt and alternator bearings.

 

[Tony123]

can you set my multimeter to amps?
i think i did it right i put it on 20m dca setting but put it through the +ve terminal.. and when i connected it all i got was a 1 on the left hand side..

I dont think any of the things i put on me car are draining it cause ive had them on a while and never had any problems up untill this last couple weeks.. ive got a feeling it could be the alternator belt not being quite tight enough...
how slack should this be?

 

[Raducu]

when I bought the battery they checked alternator charge I believe it was 14.3 Volts.. and also checked if had any consumers, 0,03 A the first 15 seconds, than 0,0 A. You should check it too

 

[Tony123]

i cant check the alternator tho cause it wont start.. and ive no jump leads to start it or anything

 

[Davren]

AA? Greenflag? RAC?

Dave.

 

[Tony123]

ive got breakdown with my insurance not sure if they come to the house tho.. hmmm i dunno what to do

the only tool i have is a rachet and a 10mm socket.. so i cant even tighten the alternator belt up if it needs doing lol

 

[Davren]

If you don't want to remove the earthstrap to check and clean it and you don't have a jump lead to bypass it and you can't start the car to check the charge rate, not many options left.

Dave.

 

[Tony123]

well i checked the earth like was told but not sure if my multi meter is on the right setting i put it too 20m/200m dca and got a -1 reading.. so i dont know if im doing it right

 

[fingers99]

I'd pop out and buy a few tools. You'll pick up some jump leads for less than a tenner, and a friendly neighbour will give you a jump. Remember:

Their car + to your car +
Their car - to your car chassis earth

Once the batteryy has some life in it (assuming the light doesn't come on) you can always remove the battery -ive overnight to prevent discharge.

 

[DaveMcT]

A set of good quality jump leads are a must-have with an older car. Keep them in the boot.

 

[Tony123]

ive purchased some jump leads and the car jumps starts fine.. and if i start the car from jump it will work for the rest of the day it will work.. then the next morning it will struggle.. then on the 2nd day it will then cause problems.. theres something ive noticed tho...

I checked the voltage of my battery whilst running and its on 13.97/14.02V and on my mums and GF car theres are on 14.54v whilst running..
would this effect it much?

ive unplugged my alarm system thinking it was this cause it happened shortly after installing and this wasnt causing any problems.. im goin go try and fully charge the battery tonight and see if this problem occurs

 

[fingers99]

Looks like your alternator isn't putting out quite enough voltage from your figures. Should be tested.

 

[Tony123]

how can i test it?

also another note about the battery if this is any help ive been told its made for larger engines like 1.8 turbo disels so would this cause any problems?

 

[fingers99]

how can i test it?

You've probably gone as far as you can by putting a meter across it. The rest should be left to a pro.

also another note about the battery if this is any help ive been told its made for larger engines like 1.8 turbo disels so would this cause any problems?

No. To cut it short, it's probably a better battery. But without an effective alternator it'll still go flat in the end.

 

[Tony123]

ive tested the alternator and its putting out the same voltage as its chargin at..

ive got teh battery on charge atm and its chargin up ok ill see how this goes after its been charged fully.. maybe my car was only charging it too what it was put on at.. but will see soon :worship: