hyeung Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 Hi, About 3 weeks ago, I had issues starting the car up. At the time it appeared that the battery was not holding charge. According to the voltmeter, when the engine was ON it registered a constant 14volts (so alternator looked ok?) Anyways, battery was changed and all was good again. However, its been 3 weeks now and i'm not back to square one? The car is struggling to start again. Can I ask, during crank-up what voltage does one expect it to show? Mine was recently registering 8volts before shooting just above 14volts when engine was ON. And it did sound it was struggling. Is it the case that when cranking the needle should not drop any more than 10volts (around the first quarter)? After a 30-40min drive, I pulled over and switched the engine off. When I turn the ignition to ON the voltage registered just over 12volts (as expected). But in the space of 10-20 secs, the voltage slowly dropped just below 12volts! Sounds like it not got sufficent charge? Also, I noticed this evening the voltage was sitting just BELOW 14volts (while engine was ON at idle - see pic below). Does this suggest a problem with the alternator, and perhaps this is the reasons that its not charging the battery properly? I'm not sure why this was not detected on the first time around; is it possible to have a intermitent fault with the alternator. Any ideas and thoughts?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 thats where my needle usually sits but maybe thats not right? Sometimes its over but not always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyeung Posted August 17, 2012 Author Share Posted August 17, 2012 Mine usually sits bang on 14, but at initial startup slightly over 14. Which is why I thought the recent reading shown on the picture was odd? Anyways, car battery was flat this morning I can only assume its a drain somewhere or maybe a bad alternator perhaps? It's now back in the garage for checkup now.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Sounds like battery could be on the way out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyeung Posted August 17, 2012 Author Share Posted August 17, 2012 The battery is brand new (3wks old).....so i'd be suprised if it was the battery, unless it a faulty one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Hi mate, Preowned alternators in stock if required Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkylineV35 Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 (edited) Can i just ask, what modifications have you done? As your name suggests chinese, Yeung no offense lol but i remember buying a voltage stabaliser when i was in hongkong and it was still on even when car was off...leading to drain. Also iv also had drain when i wired a soundsystem in the wrong way lol Edited June 23, 2013 by SkylineV35 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neilp Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 yes there could be various things draining your battery. Have you changed anything recently from engine parts to electronics/lightbulbs etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyeung Posted June 25, 2013 Author Share Posted June 25, 2013 The underlying issue was the battery. Things did not help as the new battery was faulty and not holding charge. once that was replaced all had been good.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Glad to hear that you are sorted Hung. Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samsniss350z Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 This is not the first time I've heard of 'dodgy' brand new batteries, I was unfortunate to have 2 on the trot, each holding its charge for a maximum of 2 weeks only. I went through the car with a fine toothed comb. checking earth leads, all connections and couldn't figure it out so sent it back asking for a replacement. Another new one was duly sent only for the same to happen again. This time I took it to an Auto Electrical specialist to check over and lo and behold it was another useless battery. I sent this one back supported by the Auto Electrical Engineers report and the company was happy to send me yet another one which i'm glad to say third time lucky it worked like a charm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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