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nshah
Member Since: 20 Mar 2016
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 3
  
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Hi guys,
The novice that I am, I did the below tests:
I tested the battery and it read 12.63V (it had been on a trickle charge and the car was unlocked).
I went to start the car and nothing! (no power). It didn't allow me to lock/unlock the car. There was absolutely nothing. No red flashing light that you normally see.
I disconnected the battery and charged it overnight
In the morning when still disconnected it read 13.18V
When connected it read 12.81V
I started the engine and the battery read 14.74V and settled at 14.61
At 2,000 revs it read 14.65V
With everything on (lights, air con, radio) it read 14.61V
With engine running and everything off again it read 13.12V and remained around that (I checked that no internal lights were on).
Idling after 5 mins it remained around 12.55V
Idling after 10 mins it read 12.72V
With engine off it read 12.72V
I tested the +ve on the alternator and it remained around 12.72V
I started the car again and it rose to 14.19V and remained around that.
I turned the ignition off and it settled around 13.18V
When I locked the car (it has an immobiliser) the reading dropped to 12.71V and was dropping 0.01V every sec. At 12.18V I unlocked the car it rose to 12.82V and remained around that.
Sorry for the lengthy detail, but I wanted to share it, in case you had any thoughts on the readings.
Do you still think it is the alternator?
I should have added that there are no warning codes displayed.
Many thanks
Nick
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 27th Jan 2019 8:47 am |
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M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8219
  
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Testing the battery immediatly after charging will give an unreliable result, the battery should preferably be disconnected and stand at least 2 hours, none the less with the reading it gave it should start the engine.
I suspect you have a faulty earth cable, next time it does it connect one cable of a set of jump to the battery earth, the other end to a metal part of the engine and see if it starts or with your multi-meter set on ohms do the same without trying to start of course  and see if you get a continuity reading.
After re-reading your post it could well be the alternator on the way out and delaying replacing could cost you a new battery, nonetheless do the check with a multi-meter  It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
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| 27th Jan 2019 9:28 am |
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nshah
Member Since: 20 Mar 2016
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 3
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Outcome
Well, I am more confused than when I started!
I took your advise and disconnected the battery. Gave it a full charge and did all the tests you suggested, which showed all was ok.
I have left the car for the past few weeks whilst my wife had a hire car and check the voltages daily.... All OK. It has started perfectly and the alternator has been working as it should.
The problem seems to have disappeared!!
Fingers crossed it will remain that way.
Thank you all for taking the time to share your advise. I appreciate it.
Nick
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| 9th Feb 2019 8:58 am |
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