Club 80-90 Forums

Hey guys,

I've got a little problem with my Van Battery; Done a few tests today and it seems if I leave BOTH my radio and ignition it flattens the battery within 30mins...

Is that normal?

Don't know about the ignition bit as I have my stereo wired directly to the battery. I can run mine for hours at a reasonable level even on my starter battery rather than leisure one (not something you would normally do), though if you have a sub etc it may easily kill it in half an hour.

Thats not normal. Though if you have a big bugger stereo (100W / ch) then I wouldnt be surprised.

Do you have an ammeter?

disconnect one lead from the battery. connect one ammeter lead to the battery terminal. Connect the other ammeter lead to the disconnected battery lead.

T

Hello, na got a tiny stereo.

Yeah I've got an ammeter...I'll do what you said tomorrow, although I don't really understand what to look for when I do it


Thanks

Just thinking a bit after my first post.

Is your van a derv? Are the glow plugs on all the time? That would flatten the battery quick.
Does the battery go flat with just the ignition on or just the radio?

If your battery is going flat that quick the current may be more than an ammeter can cope with.

Pull all your fuses.
Connect the ammeter up.
Display should be close to zero.
Start popping fuses back in.
Watch the display for a large increase (or the meter fuse blowing)
You could wire a headlamp bulb instead of the Ammeter and watch for the bulb to glow brightly

T

Hey Tony, Thanks for your replies!

Is your van a derv?

Na its a leisure drive

Are the glow plugs on all the time?

What are Glow Plugs?

Does the battery go flat with just the ignition on or just the radio?

No it doesn't appear to, only when they are both on

Pull all your fuses.
Connect the ammeter up.
Display should be close to zero.
Start popping fuses back in.

Shall I connect it up how you said in your previous post? If I do see large jumps what does that mean?

Hi coloured funk,

just some pointers....

Derv = diesel. Tony was asking what fuel it runs on - ie petrol or diesel
(feel silly - don't - we have to start somewhere)

Glow plugs - are sommat to do with the workings of a diesel engine. Petrol = spark plugs, diesel = glow plugs. When starting a diesel, you have to wait for the glow plugs to warm b4 starting the engine. This takes power. Hence Tony's question regarding the ignition and glow plugs being left on.

Right - that's the extent of my technical knowledge....which I have gained through reading this forum, driving a diesel car, and owing a t25!

All the best

And Welcome too

Emma

You shouldnt leave the ignition on for that length of time really.. wire the radio in so it has its own power without ignition on..

With the ignition on you are taking a surprising amount of power as everything is in "run" mode..

turning on the Ignition I have 40 amps on the meter...goes to 60 amps when cranking

you're right it'll flatten the battery in half an hour