Random flat bettery

Post by **poshbuggers** » 25 Sep 2007, 15:38

For the 2nd time in just over 2 weeks I have a flat (not totally, but enough to prevent starting) battery!

The 1st time I assumed it was just a duff battery and swapped in a known working battery that was doing great on another vehicle.

Now that one is flat I am thinking its an electrical gremlin. When driving there is no sign of the low charge light, everything seems to work fine etc.

Going to charge it again and get an alternator check tomorrow of course but I think it might be something else. Any ideas?

Post by **jokerdub** » 25 Sep 2007, 15:43

Start the van up and with a multimeter over the battery terminals rev the engine, see if your getting 14v or there abouts and if it fall and riseses when reving the alternator is fine, if its reading about 13.3v thats the battery voltage and if when running the voltage dosent rise then your alternator is shot

Post by **jokerdub** » 25 Sep 2007, 15:46

Some times the alternator light will not come on even if its not charging. If the bearing have fell apart inside its not likley the light will come on.

It could just be a bad earth , bad battery terminal etc

Post by **poshbuggers** » 25 Sep 2007, 15:53

Thanks for that Dave.

Could be its down to the alternator connection as the last owner did bodge the electrics a bit.

I'll do those checks and see what I find.

Post by **jokerdub** » 25 Sep 2007, 15:59

Yeap its probably someting silly.

Hope you get it sorted. How is the doka?

Post by **poshbuggers** » 25 Sep 2007, 16:41

Its in a bit of a transition stage at the moment.

I got it straight and running for the summer, did a few shows and took it to Germany. It did us proud with over 5000 miles trouble free.

Now the season is over I am going to sort out a few issues:

The truck was serviced throughout just over a month ago so no real gremlins with the mechanicals. The current recon 1.9 is in great condition but is only just up to the job and with a clutch on its way out and a blowing exhaust the impending Audi conversion WILL happen b4 Christmas - like it or not.

Load cover
The canvas and frame will soon make way for an Alusingen NATO box if all goes to plan.

Wheels and tyres
Currently running on tyres that foul the arches under hard braking/approach angle compression so either a different tyre size or suspension lift is called for. I will either refurb the Penta's or go for something a bit flasher.

Interior
Instrument panel needs lighting issues addressing and the heater fan switch is faulty. Carpets and a speaker upgrade are in the pipeline. Just got a dash tidy and CL dash pad.

Exterior
A bullbar, winch and rock sliders are on my Christmas list. Going to swap the grille for the Projektzwo one shortly.

Hows you???

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 25 Sep 2007, 17:42

Check the connections on the back of the startermotor, that's where the feed to the battery from the alternator goes.

Ian.

Post by **poshbuggers** » 27 Sep 2007, 12:47

Charged the battery, fitted it and it started fine.

I have just had the alternator output and battery checked and both seem to be performing OK, I did notice the alternator belt seemed slack so I have tensioned it up.

If that doesn't solve it I suspect its the new CD player.