Battery not charging?

[ropeman23]

My battery isn't charging, it ran completely flat on a long drive the other day. I have re-charged it and put a meter accross the terminals when the engine is running and it's only showing 12.5v. I then put a meter on the alternator and that shows 14.5v. All the contacts are ok, but obviously no charge is getting to the battery. Could it be the main lead from battery to alternator? Ta.

[BOXY]

The battery sounds like it's ok, but you really should wait 12 hours before checking the voltage once it's off charge to let the "surface charge" dissipate.

[bigherb]

Check the alternator lead where it joins to the main battery cable on the starter motor probably broken off or a bad connection.

[kevtherev]

Poor or no earth on your main batt
poor or no live
poor or no connection at the alt

[ropeman23]

Poor or no earth on your main batt
poor or no live
poor or no connection at the alt

That sorted it. Even turns over much better on start up.

Ta.

[kevtherev]

great news... thanks for letting us know