Dodgy Battery?
Posted
#782967
(In Topic #94248)
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Dodgy Battery?
Hey, ive been having trouble with my battery, im pretty sure its holding its charge but the power seems to go really fast... could this be a dodgy alternator? or something shorted somewhere? it will start fine after a charge and for that whole day, but the next day it just goes... i changed the drivebelt as it was old and knackered.. how can i test the alternator? thanks josh
First mk1 and first resto- 1983 golf gti black
Posted
Local Hero
The only way to properly test an alternator is by using an ammeter. But you can do a rough test by observing the voltage output at various stages of running. With the voltmeter across the battery terminals, look for these voltage (approx):
Engine not running, no electrics on: 12.4-12.8 volts
Engine not running, headlamps on: not less than 12 volts
During starting engine: more than 7-8 volts
Engine running and battery light out (might have to rev it), just after starting: 12.8-13.4 volts, or thereabouts.
Engine not running, no electrics on: 12.4-12.8 volts
Engine not running, headlamps on: not less than 12 volts
During starting engine: more than 7-8 volts
Engine running and battery light out (might have to rev it), just after starting: 12.8-13.4 volts, or thereabouts.
Posted
Local Hero
you need to put a volt meter on the circuit when the cars running to see if its charging properly, should be a reading of around 13-14v
It sounds like the battery is knackered to me though, even if it wasnt charging it should last longer than a day, if the alternator goes then you will normally get the battery warning lamp glowing back on the dash, but not always
Take it into a kwik fit or somewhere simmilar, your not obliged to buy from them as they do "free battery check" which includes the charge rate etc
this time of year often kills battery cells, constant use of lights and heaters for short journeys and the cold can speed up killing an old battery off
It sounds like the battery is knackered to me though, even if it wasnt charging it should last longer than a day, if the alternator goes then you will normally get the battery warning lamp glowing back on the dash, but not always
Take it into a kwik fit or somewhere simmilar, your not obliged to buy from them as they do "free battery check" which includes the charge rate etc
this time of year often kills battery cells, constant use of lights and heaters for short journeys and the cold can speed up killing an old battery off
92 Sportline in Flash Red, Standard **SOLD**
91 G60 Corrado in Aqua Blue pearl
91 Rallye Golf, Tornado Red, AMD tuned to 220bhp 227 flb torque 9j x16 Borbet B alloys
1985 B Alpine white mk2 Golf Gti
91 G60 Corrado in Aqua Blue pearl
91 Rallye Golf, Tornado Red, AMD tuned to 220bhp 227 flb torque 9j x16 Borbet B alloys
1985 B Alpine white mk2 Golf Gti
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