testing/replacing battery

Post by **MacAoidh** » 04 Nov 2006, 12:13

van now off the road, borrowed a Peugot hatchback...

apparently my battery may be knackered, apparently major voltage drop when turning engine over. I've had it on a borrowed trickle charger all night, ammeter has not registered anything before/during/after.

Can anyone please tell me how I can be sure that it's shot (the guy who tested it was a bit doolally), and if it is, tips for replacement: where to go, what to ask for? I'm reluctant to roll up to Kwikfit, have some troll tell me nonsense and then sell me nonsense. I'm up in the hills, nearest cities are Hereford and Cardiff.

Sorry to be constantly asking things... Really grateful for the support!

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 04 Nov 2006, 15:20

You need the battery testing with a load-meter, they put it across the two terminals and it loads the battery up with a big resistance and reads off on a meter. That tells you if the battery is dud, then you need to check whether the charging system is working properly. Have a look at the articles on Wiki and the Brickyard. Now the cold weather is kicking in, loads of people are having electrical starting trouble, my mate who is a battery man is rubbing his hands.

First frost

planning his next years holiday in Florida already

Post by **MacAoidh** » 04 Nov 2006, 16:05

Thanks, I'll take the whole thing into a recommended garage soon as poss, let them give it the once over.

Post by **colynmac** » 04 Nov 2006, 22:41

Do what I did.

Call the AA. They will test it. Confirm it's knackered and fit a better one for £85.

£10 more than half wits but he fits and takes away the old one.

Sorted.

Post by **stuckin88** » 05 Nov 2006, 08:21

remove regulator/brush carrier from the back of your alternator-held in with 2 crosshead screws--you may find the carbon brushes are worn right down-new one is about £14 from GSF-much cheaper than a new alternator--

Post by **MacAoidh** » 08 Nov 2006, 14:00

Since I'm not in the AA...

Can anyone tell me what kind of battery to buy? Currently 1.6 diesel, hoping to go 1.9 td/tdi in the near or medium future.

I don't trust the previous owners to take any info of what is currently fitted, so would be really grateful if someone could tell me the recommended spec, and also what type/brand etc??? What is a good battery?

Post by **ghost123uk** » 08 Nov 2006, 14:27

To test the vehicle charging = connect one of those £5 yellow multi test meters ( from Halfrauds etc ) across the battery, with the meter set to read the 20 Volts DC scale.

Should read about 12.6 without the engine running with a useable battery and 13.6 to 14 volts with the engine running at a fast tickover. If it does not rise to these volts with the engine running, there is likely summat up with the alternator. If so read what "stuckin88" says below

or buy a re-con unit.

If after an overnight charge, with a battery charger that you know is working, it won't turn the engine, chances are it is well shot, though test the leads / starter motor / solanoid by substituting with a known good battery, just to test.

Re what battery, get one with a well known brand name on it (Exide, etc)
Get the biggest that will fit and buy from a big chain, as they are more likely to honour any g/tee.

Post by **MacAoidh** » 08 Nov 2006, 15:26

Hmmm, some interesting stuff there, I'll get cracking. I've also just thought to look at electrolyte levels, if those still need topping up these days. (Have been without a motor vehicle for quite a few years.)

Post by **ghost123uk** » 08 Nov 2006, 15:34

MacAoidh wrote:I'll get cracking. I've also just thought to look at electrolyte levels, if those still need topping up these days. (Have been without a motor vehicle for quite a few years.)

In that case make sure the leather straps that go from the yoke, to the horses shoulder harness are in good nick also

Post by **MacAoidh** » 08 Nov 2006, 18:09

Okay, I get the drift. Mind you, I did pull off a couple of covers and peer into the liquid below. Did I just convert a modern maintenance-free battery into the proper sort that you can burger about with?

Previous motor (apart from a couple of disposable Fiestas) was a Morris Minor. Started on the crank.

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 08 Nov 2006, 18:18

If you can get at the front belt pulley, maybe you could wrap some string round it and use it like a pull-start?

New battery sounds less exciting, but more reliable