Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2079
Odd voltage on start up
Can anyone point me in the right direction regarding the following:-
I have a cheap plug in voltage reader in the cigarette lighter socket and don't expect it to give accurate absolute voltage but on starting the car a couple of weeks ago I noticed wipers were running slow and the reading was only 11.5 volts ,after about two mins running it rose to 15.1 v , gradually reducing to about 14.3. This has now happened every time I have started the car other than just short stops of an hour or so. . Battery Exide, about 2.5 yrs old and alternator a Genuine Land Rover recon. 18 months old. Had it checked at local independent and no error codes found.
15th Apr 2019 1:51 pm
sparkysteve
Member Since: 08 Jul 2017
Location: cheshire
Posts: 126
The voltages look right. Might be a good idea to get a multimeter and test at the battery. Then you'll have correct readingD3 HSE 2.7 TDV6 named Calvin with him stuffed Tiger Hobbes sat in the back
15th Apr 2019 4:43 pm
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4620
Re: Odd voltage on start up
L319 wrote:
Can anyone point me in the right direction regarding the following:-
I have a cheap plug in voltage reader in the cigarette lighter socket and don't expect it to give accurate absolute voltage but on starting the car a couple of weeks ago I noticed wipers were running slow and the reading was only 11.5 volts ,after about two mins running it rose to 15.1 v , gradually reducing to about 14.3.
11.5v after start is too low, even before start that's too low.!yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
15th Apr 2019 4:52 pm
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2079
That was my thought , it looks as though its running on battery only but the charge warning light is going out. I might run a meter straight from battery to see exactly what that is reading but given the wipers were slow and then speeded up as soon as the voltage rose I feel something is wrong. I could splash out on new battery/ alternator but would rather diagnose the problem rather than a scatter gun approach with new bits. I will try a battery recharge so it starts off at a higher figure.
15th Apr 2019 5:49 pm
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4620
Stick a MM on there you should see over 14.7v on start up or higher. This can settle back a bit but below 13.9 i'd be concerned.yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
15th Apr 2019 5:54 pm
Bardley
Member Since: 02 May 2018
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 439
So more info. needed really.
Does the car get a good run? Local driving or decent stretches of mileage?
This can have a marked effect on your battery.
Given that the voltage rises and that the car does have a certain amount of artificial intelligence, it may just be that it needs a run.
Battery voltage is the one to look at, as the aux. Sockets are not where it counts and not to be relied upon.2011 MY D4 HSE
Previously 2001 D2 TD5, 1996 D1 300Tdi, 1985 90 2.2 petrol.
Bikes! KTM, BMW, British, Classics and others.
15th Apr 2019 5:57 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10359
check the 5A fuse under the bonnet marked ALT is ok or replace anyway
15th Apr 2019 6:24 pm
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2079
Thanks for the input. Checked 5A alt. fuse that's OK. Charged battery overnight. Showing fully charged this morning ,Off charge battery voltage 12.67. Ignition on 11.9 . Starting 10.9v momentary and then 13.3 lifting to 15.08 after 10 secs , slowly decreasing to 14.9 as I waited . Engine all the time at idle, only Auto Climate control on. No hesitation in voltage climb . Will now check to see if I have a current drain when parked . My vehicle usage is rather intermittent now I am retired and when used can vary from a only a few miles a week to round trips of 200 . Double checked and battery 28 months old. Plug in meter showing the similar reading( only one decimal place) as digital . multimeter connected to battery
16th Apr 2019 8:56 am
Globetrotter448
Member Since: 21 Mar 2017
Location: Londonderry NSW
Posts: 1780
Possibly a faulty battery, make sure it is rated at 850-900 CCA. Check all connection to the battery, including down to starter and alternator plus the earth connections. Voltage should not drop unless you have things turned on.
16th Apr 2019 9:06 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10359
If your getting 13v after starting it’s not too bad.
16th Apr 2019 10:47 am
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8062
In your situation put a smart battery charger on overnight once every two weeks, it wil not overcharge and will keep the battery fully charged and extend the life of the battery, use tow electric or left side cigar plug (with permanent power) adapter for convenience.
p.s. make sure your fridge is turned off if you have one, they drain batteries on D3’s.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
16th Apr 2019 10:58 am
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2079
Just had the vehicle checked at an auto electrician to see if its going to sleep as still getting low voltage readings before starting even after a good run the previous day. After 40 mins. the drain was down to 10 ma. and the same after 1.5 hrs., which is OK. Before I went, had the battery on charge overnight and at the garage it was showing it needing charging, so will be sending it back to Tayna to see what they say. Its an Exide EA1000.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
