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Charging Issue With Daily Driver


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#1 jonlad

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 02:16 PM

hi folks, looking for some advice here.

I have a 2004 Honda civic diesel, recently replaced alternator (months ago) when it failed. At the time, i was getting 12.6v at battery when engine off, and the same idling. The new alternator fixed that and gave me 14+ volts when idling.

 

Now i have the battery light on again, and 11.5v with engine off and 10.5 volts with engine idling.

 

I suspect the battery is dead, but would you question the alt also? Due to the dip when idling? Thanks in advance

 

 



#2 minifreek1

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 03:51 PM

I would suggest the battery has seen better days, as it seems to be pulling the charge current down. Possibly got knackered plates. Can't harm changing for a new battery, but make sure you get the same type..


Edited by minifreek1, 10 December 2017 - 03:51 PM.


#3 Cooperman

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 04:35 PM

This cold weather doesn't help with battery efficiency either. Does sound like a new battery would solve your problem.

 

My Land-Rover diesel would start yesterday. I should have changed the glow-plugs a while back but never got around to it. Had to warm the injectors with a heat gun for 25 minutes and put a boost charge on the battery. In this weather I need the Discovery more than my BMW as the size of the tyres on the BMW are so wide they have no grip in the snow. Another triumph if perceived style over engineering sense!



#4 jonlad

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 04:45 PM

Thanks folks, i dashed to the local Halfrauds just before 4pm to pick up a battery. Fitted it in the snow (don't you love working on cars in the snow!) and we get 12.5v with engine off and 12.0v with engine idling.

 

Feels to me like alternator is dead too...  any thoughts


Edited by jonlad, 10 December 2017 - 04:45 PM.


#5 Cooperman

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 04:51 PM

With the engine running at c 1200 rpm it should be charging at around 14 volts. If it isn't then the alternator is possibly 'Donald Ducked'.



#6 jonlad

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 04:58 PM

Thanks cooperman, its nice to get another take on these things. It took me two days to change the alternator on the drive when i did it (radiator out job and some very annoying oil pipes going to the the vac pump on the alt) so i'll give it to my local friendly garage this time i think.

 

It wouldn't be so bad if i could get it in the garage, but that's full of mini :lol:

 

Will try revving it up with the voltmeter on later and see if anything changes, but that will require the help of her indoors!

Thanks again



#7 Northernpower

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 05:03 PM

I know it's obvious but have you checked the fan belt is tight?

#8 jonlad

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 05:35 PM

That's a great shout, i'll have a look at the belt and tensioner before i call the garage.
Thanks

Edit... maybe tomorrow, the snow is now 1" deep on the car and getting deeper haha

Edited by jonlad, 10 December 2017 - 05:36 PM.


#9 robminibcy

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 07:05 PM

sounds to me like alternator not battery. 12.5 engine off is what it should be but running should be 14 and a bit. There are cases where batteries can have dodgy cells and show 12.5v but still not start as voltage drops massively when load is applied but regardless of battery condition you should still see 14 ish volts with engine running. My golf tdi battery failed when a cell went bad and showed 11v engine off and needed jump starts every time but when running still showed 14 and a bit v.



#10 Mervyn

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 07:15 PM

Check connections are good at rear of alternator. Perhaps your battery lead has come loose

Merv

#11 minimans

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Posted 10 December 2017 - 10:00 PM

As already said bring up the RPMs when checking voltage out put. Figures at idle mean nothing....................



#12 jonlad

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Posted 16 December 2017 - 03:11 PM

 and the winner is... Mervyn!

 

Somehow the lead had come loose at the back of the alt despite a crush washer and me being sure it was tight when i fitted the alternator some months ago!

 

Glad its a relatively easy fix anyway and not the alt gone dead in just a few months.

 

Thanks for the help and advice all, its nice to get your suggestions.






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