Battery drain

[96terrano]

can anyone tell me why the battery won't seem to hold it's charge? this is what happens, truck has sat for over a 2 days, not started, i went to start it and it struggled the engine cranked slowly then the compression obviously stopped it, then 2 seconds later swung over and started, i thought that's a narrow escape!:bow, my multi-meter says about 12.5 volts when engines off and the truck's volt meter says the same

i've replaced batt cables cleaned conntacts ets, it's not been flat, just very close, also, i havn't found anything draining it, it's a jan 2011 battery too!

 

[Fez_uk]

un-hook the battery overnight after a good run in it, Then check voltage.

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

also, check the difference between the voltage with the engine on and of, should be about 14v when running this tells you your alternator is working :thumb2

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

and! disconnect positive lead and put an amp-meter in line, switch everything off take keys out, this will show if you have any current 'leakage' issues :thumb2

could be a short from one of your additions :augie

 

[supergnome]

" engine cranked slowly then the compression obviously stopped it, then 2 seconds later swung over and started " Bad earth connection. David

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

" engine cranked slowly then the compression obviously stopped it, then 2 seconds later swung over and started " Bad earth connection. David

good point:thumb2 i was thinking of the recently added electric fan :thumb2

 

[jims-terrano]

That's the same symptoms as mine when the starter was buggered.

Jim

 

[96terrano]

That's the same symptoms as mine when the starter was buggered.

Jim

the starter is buggered fact:lol it makes a howling noise when cranking, but when mr. bodge replaced my gearbox about a year ago, he broke the good starter on the donor terrano....the one the good gearbox came from

 

[96terrano]

un-hook the battery overnight after a good run in it, Then check voltage.

just done that.

 

[glanrichbex]

Check 1 : measure the battery voltage when the battery is supplying current i.e put the lights on - this will give you a true potential difference across the battery rather than a floating p.d. :doh ( potential voltage measurements are not a good indicator of battery condition or charge.)

Check 2: Measure the battery voltage with the engine running - turn on some lights to load the alternator - the voltage across the battery should have risen to > 13.8volts. :thumbs

Check 3 : Stop the engine, turn off all lights, close the doors, make sure everything is turned off.
Disconnect the +ve lead from the battery and connect a standard 21watt 12volt bulb in line with the connector and + terminal - does the bulb light at all ?.......- if it does - even a slight glow means something is pulling current, you can start disconnecting fuses ( trial and error ) and get someone to keep an eye on the bulb as to when it goes out, when it does you have narrowed things down a bit.

 

[solarman216]

Erm if your starter is naff, then the fact it would not turn over properly first time but a few seconds later it started , simply points to a duff starter, Rick

 

[jims-terrano]

the starter is buggered fact:lol it makes a howling noise when cranking, but when mr. bodge replaced my gearbox about a year ago, he broke the good starter on the donor terrano....the one the good gearbox came from

No they don't have to make any strange noises FACT

Jim

 

[96terrano]

thanks all for the help:bow glanrichbex, i will try that:clap would the clock not make the bulb light a little therefore buggering the reading? or does it take such little power that it won't effect it ?

 

[kitchenman]

someone recently had a jammed relay on the heaters, check for voltage with ign off

 

[briggie]

i think rick and jum have hit the nail on the head so to speak ,and identified the duff starter as the culprit.:thumb2

 

[96terrano]

yep guys, i done the tests, the batt and electrics are all 100% it's the starter:clap thanks guys:bow:bow

 

[glanrichbex]

thanks all for the help:bow glanrichbex, i will try that:clap would the clock not make the bulb light a little therefore buggering the reading? or does it take such little power that it won't effect it ?

The clock only draws milliamps - not enough to light the bulb

 

[96terrano]

hi guys, my truck has been 'sleeping' for 3 days as weve been useing the meriva, ther battery is completly dead, i think there a large drain somewhere

 

[96terrano]

hi guys, my truck has been 'sleeping' for 3 days as weve been useing the meriva, ther battery is completly dead, i think there a large drain somewhere

i found where the drain was, it was the circuit for the roof lights power outlet and radio, the ACC relay was not dis-engaging

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

i found where the drain was, it was the circuit for the roof lights power outlet and radio, the ACC relay was not dis-engaging

that sort of reminds me of my earlier post :augie