Still having Battery problems

Submitted: Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 17:24

ThreadID: 8079 Views:1657 Replies:8 FollowUps:1

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Jimmy

Hi I posted earlier in the week regarding battery /alternator problems
After following some of the advise I dont think the real problem is the alternator although it is probably it is on its way out. I measure 14v across a brand new battery at about 1500rpm. 12.5v motor not running. I measured the current draw with the ignition off and its still drawing 2.14 amps. I pulled the fuses one by one and the only one to make a difference was the fuse controlling the clock but that only makes a difference of bugger all. Any advice please on where to go from here?
Could the alternator be sucking the charge back out through shorted windings or something.....
Thanks Jim

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Reply By: Jimmy - Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 17:25

Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 17:25

Sorry vehicle is 91 Nissan Terrano TD27

AnswerID: 35087

Reply By: joc45 - Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 17:55

Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 17:55

I take it you don't have a CB/HF or other device wired directly to the battery.
Also try unplugging any relays. There may be an unfused circuit.
Prove the alternator by removing the leads from that (the output lead and any regulator control lead).
Also there may be some leakage in the starter solenoid (carbon dust?). These are usually unfused, or there is a very heavy fuse near the battery.
If it's a diesel, there may be a heavy fuse feeding the control box/relay for the glow plugs. These heavy fuses are often located near the battery, well away from the general fuses.
Gerry

AnswerID: 35093

Reply By: Mickl - Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 20:05

Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 20:05

Sounds like the alternator is charging fine. You can also current test your alternator. Put your meter in series with the alternators output. Turn on all the factory fit electricals (high beams,demister,fan etc...) let them run for a minute or two( to reduce the charge on the battery and apply load). Start the engine and run at 2000 to 2500 rpm, your ammeter should read approx 75% of the alternators rating (stamped on its body. ie; 14/80 means 14 volts, 80 amps)

AnswerID: 35100

Reply By: Eric Experience. - Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 22:32

Saturday, Oct 25, 2003 at 22:32

JIMMY.
The 2.1 amps is about 25watts, the power used by a blinker globe so the whatever is on will be warm to the touch. The current output of your alternator is determined by the load not the rating of the alternator so if the voltage is right then the alternator is ok there is no piont in measuring the current, if the voltage is right then the current is matching the load. Eric.

AnswerID: 35117

Reply By: Will - Sunday, Oct 26, 2003 at 11:28

Sunday, Oct 26, 2003 at 11:28

Jimmy, I would get the alternator checked by a auto electrician because you can get a problem with it where the alt. will draw current at rest through a faullty diode
Will

AnswerID: 35139

Reply By: Member - DOZER- Sunday, Oct 26, 2003 at 14:06

Sunday, Oct 26, 2003 at 14:06

Heres a different twist... what changed just before the problem surfaced?
New installation?
4wding in water?
does your car have a towbar/plug?
Andrewwheredayathinkwer mike?

AnswerID: 35148

Follow Up By: Jimmy - Sunday, Oct 26, 2003 at 15:14

Sunday, Oct 26, 2003 at 15:14

Good thought but nothing is different as far as I know.
I havent added anything but about three months ago I ripped the trailer plug off going through a bog hole which may be causing problems now but I don't think its that

FollowupID: 25397

Reply By: jeepy - Sunday, Oct 26, 2003 at 14:43

Sunday, Oct 26, 2003 at 14:43

Just a thought, have you tried disconnecting the battery from the car and then checking the current through the battery. Could it possibly be a short in the battery and thats why pulling the fuses makes no difference?

Cheers
Jeepy

AnswerID: 35153