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Jul 27, 2013 12:52:58 GMT
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Last time out in my celica I noticed my volt meter was moving up and down in time with my indicators. I just put a multimeter on the battery while the car while it was ticking over on the drive. It was showing just above 14 volts when idleing so its charging ok, but when I put the indicator on, the voltage is jumping up and down, only a tiny bit 14.37 - 14.40
I also checked the voltage of the battery with the engine turned off. It was dropping very slowly 12.50, 12.49, 12.48 slowly going down 1/100th.
Anyone got any thoughts on whats up? If its charging above 14 volts then I would assume the alternator is fine, and its more of a battery problem. Also I must add that the car has been stood for a good 8 months in a garage with the battery only ever being charged twice.
Would you agree the battery is on its way out and this is causing the voltage to change when indicating?
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Jul 27, 2013 14:41:39 GMT
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Hi how long after the engine was stopped did you check the voltage, you would expect some drop from it fresh off charge, if its still dropping after half an hour or so there may be a problem. i wouldn't worry about the voltage change when the indicators are on.
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Jul 27, 2013 18:21:55 GMT
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I reckon its the battery.
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Jul 27, 2013 19:54:48 GMT
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I'd say you have nothing wrong with it,the likelihood of the indicators etc flashing in time is most likely a poor earth somewhere.
Check all that first.
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rodney
Posted a lot
https://www.facebook.com/RD-vehicle-transport-and-recovery-services-525622614268010/
Posts: 1,677
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Jul 27, 2013 20:07:20 GMT
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as above , theres nothing wrong with it,.
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facebook: rodney dean / rd transport  |
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bortaf
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,549
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Jul 27, 2013 21:59:31 GMT
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How far does it drop at rest? if it goes below 12.4V i'd start to susspect the battery otherwise that all sound perfectly normal, the voltage will drop as all 4/6 bulbs light up, an alt wont react that fast to compensate for the draw.
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R.I.P photobucket
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Jul 28, 2013 11:11:25 GMT
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I checked the battery yesterday with the car being stood for over a week, can't remember the reading but it was 11. something. Once the car is running it seems ok, but if I leave it for a few days it only just fires up.
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Jul 28, 2013 22:51:33 GMT
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There's probably either a drain on the battery (short circuit/ light on/ clock alarm) or its failling internally
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bortaf
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,549
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Jul 29, 2013 12:26:35 GMT
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I checked the battery yesterday with the car being stood for over a week, can't remember the reading but it was 11. something. Once the car is running it seems ok, but if I leave it for a few days it only just fires up. Hmmm i'm surprised it started with a battery under 12V  what tester are you using are you sure it's acturate ? |
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R.I.P photobucket
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Jul 29, 2013 15:50:19 GMT
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a battery with a voltage of 12.2v is usually considered flat, so starting with 11v is pretty good!  |
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You're like a crazy backyard genius! |
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Jul 29, 2013 18:23:01 GMT
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I checked the battery yesterday with the car being stood for over a week, can't remember the reading but it was 11. something. Once the car is running it seems ok, but if I leave it for a few days it only just fires up. Hmmm I'm surprised it started with a battery under 12V what tester are you using are you sure it's acturate ? Just a multi meter from maplins, never had any problems with it over the years, its always been accurate. It only just starts though. |
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Jul 29, 2013 20:06:29 GMT
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+1 for this.
Can you measure current with your meter? If you can, see if there is any flow with the ignition off.
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Jul 30, 2013 18:17:40 GMT
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+1 for this. Can you measure current with your meter? If you can, see if there is any flow with the ignition off. I am not sure, I have only ever measured voltage and resistance. |
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Jul 30, 2013 23:04:00 GMT
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most meters can measure current, which one do you have? Measuring current usually involves moving the red lead from the Volts/Ohms socket to Amps on the meter. You will have to put the meter in line so the current flows through the meter (for volts/ohms you measure across a component whereas current has to flow through). Be wary of the meters limits though, it should be fused but start on the highest current range (there may be two sockets for current measurement, mA and 10A). To actually measure current drain you should put the meter in line from the battery post to earth strap (Using the earth is best because if you use positive the meter probes will be 'live' and could short to the chassis). Don't start the car or use anything that will pull a current (door light etc) as at worst you could blow the meter fuse or at the least you will get a false reading. These pages may explain better than I can: forums.automotive.com/70/9339530/dodge/dodge-van-electrical-problems/www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/how-to-stop-car-battery-drainsIf the battery is on its way out this stuff may help:  It doesn't always work but is worth a shot before splashing out on anew battery. |
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Jul 31, 2013 18:11:59 GMT
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most meters can measure current, which one do you have? Measuring current usually involves moving the red lead from the Volts/Ohms socket to Amps on the meter. You will have to put the meter in line so the current flows through the meter (for volts/ohms you measure across a component whereas current has to flow through). Be wary of the meters limits though, it should be fused but start on the highest current range (there may be two sockets for current measurement, mA and 10A). To actually measure current drain you should put the meter in line from the battery post to earth strap (Using the earth is best because if you use positive the meter probes will be 'live' and could short to the chassis). Don't start the car or use anything that will pull a current (door light etc) as at worst you could blow the meter fuse or at the least you will get a false reading. These pages may explain better than I can: forums.automotive.com/70/9339530/dodge/dodge-van-electrical-problems/www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/how-to-stop-car-battery-drainsIf the battery is on its way out this stuff may help: It doesn't always work but is worth a shot before splashing out on anew battery. Great explanation that. Usually you will then see a draw of up to an amp or so,to locate the exact circuit,remove each fuse in turn,if nothing changes pop it back in,then follow the same process until you see a significant drop in current,that will then be the circuit where you have issues. If something's been put in directly from the battery possibly without a fuse or an inline fuse hidden away disconnect that as well if the fuse removal method doesn't work. I had this with a passat and it was the permanent live to the towbar twin electrics at fault. |
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309jazzpanda
Part of things
so its just my pug thats rotten?
Posts: 92
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yeah another plus for battery drain, you must remember when the engine is running the electrics run off the alternator, not the battery
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1990 309 "the pig"
1993 205 gtx "mummra"
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Could be over charge to boil the battery, which kill it
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Contrary to popular opinion, I do have mechanical sympathy, I always feel sorry for the cars I drive.
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Aug 14, 2013 14:25:22 GMT
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Also make sure the cars been switched off and locked up for a little while before checking a drain. Lots of cars take up to or beyond 10 mins to fully power down
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what tester are you using are you sure it's acturate ?
