Member Since: 24 Aug 2013
Location: In The Mud
Posts: 432
Just dug my older DMM out to double check the cheaper one (it doesn't get used as it has a dwindling screen that is awkward to read unless at the right angle).
The readout was as below (it did flicker from 0.00 to 0.01):
14th Dec 2014 12:56 pm
UKJay
Member Since: 24 Aug 2013
Location: In The Mud
Posts: 432
As a check on the DMM, I rigged up a small light unit to test the MM, and it does read current so one assumes the DMM is working as it should?
So would I be safe in simply buying a new battery with this information - or am I wise to buy another alternator due to the possibility of it being in default mode?
Thanks for everyone's time here, it has been appreciated.
Regds
Jay
14th Dec 2014 1:32 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
As Mike says, it sounds like a tired battery and you have taken appropriate precautions to make sure the alternator will not damage a new one.
I would not worry about the alternator voltage as it would not be appropriate to judge it whilst it is tied to a failing battery. If your battery was losing charge when left alone we would be checking from a drain from the vehicle but at the moment it just looks like it has had enough.
Next step is an Exide Premium.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 24 Aug 2013
Location: In The Mud
Posts: 432
Thanks Robbie,
Exide is already in the favourites to order, just wanted to be sure it was only the battery.
Thanks again for your time.
Kind regards
Jay
14th Dec 2014 1:46 pm
UKJay
Member Since: 24 Aug 2013
Location: In The Mud
Posts: 432
Battery Ordered: EA1000 Exide Premium Car Battery 017TE @ £76.43 delivered. Heres hoping to a trouble free Winter until I get my finger out to do the front discs
Jay
14th Dec 2014 2:03 pm
UKJay
Member Since: 24 Aug 2013
Location: In The Mud
Posts: 432
Right new battery fitted (after a good charge before fitting to vehicle), and the alternator is kicking out the same voltage no matter what is on in the vehicle - so when lights, heated seats on etc, it struggles to stay above 14v even with the revs up to 1500 (it sits around 13.5 on tickover), so with the comment about default mode - am I better off adding a new alternator?
Kind regards
Jay
20th Dec 2014 9:37 am
geoff.
Member Since: 24 Jan 2010
Location: West kent
Posts: 8531
jay
change the alternator and have a good look at the belt and tensioner
20th Dec 2014 9:39 am
UKJay
Member Since: 24 Aug 2013
Location: In The Mud
Posts: 432
Hi Geoff
Thanks for the info, will look at replacing the belt and tensioner at the same time as it not worth ignoring those parts when you look at the cost of the other parts.
Thanks for your time here bud, truly appreciated!
Have a relaxing festive period mate, you have definitely earnt it
Kind regards
Jay
20th Dec 2014 9:49 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
As above, the voltage is now below anything acceptable and it is not in default mode. There is no doubt that you need a new alternator.
It is unfortunate that you are facing a double expenditure but you have done well with your fault-finding and have avoided this being a winter breakdown with the associated expense and stress!
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 24 Aug 2013
Location: In The Mud
Posts: 432
Thanks Robbie
Just sent a pm to AF to check additional parts stock as I need some other bits whilst I am at this. Last shipping date is Monday, so hopefully I can get it delivered before the festive period, but if not - hey ho, it's Christmas
Thanks again to you, DM and Geoff for the truly valued support, you guys are a true asset to the site and definitely to its members.
Thanks guys, have a great holiday time with your families!
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