Battery Charging Problems

[tomshearer]

Hi,

I am having problems with my charging circuit. ( new battery, 1 year old alternator, belt tension OK)

I am having to manually charge the battery every couple of days and the warning light on the dash comes on (dull) when I put the key in even before the engine starts and stays on all the time. Any clues? Car is 1.9 D Elation estate

Thanks Guys

 

Tom

[Randombloke]

Hi,

I am having problems with my charging circuit. ( new battery, 1 year old alternator, belt tension OK)

I am having to manually charge the battery every couple of days and the warning light on the dash comes on (dull) when I put the key in even before the engine starts and stays on all the time.

 

Alternator or associated wiring I'll guess is the problem.

 

I would borrow a volt meter and stick it across the battery whilst the engine is running.

 

You are hoping to see about 13.2V minimum with no electrical stuff switched on. Note the value of the reading. Switch off the engine and see what happens. There should be a fall in the number measured. If there is no fall i.e. the number is the same with engine running as off (about 12.6 V) then the alternator is looking like it's croaked.

 

With XUD powered cars of this age (BX) I've measured about 13.2 to 13.8V with the engine idling going up to 14.4V with engine revving at about 2,000rpm.

 

Also put the voltmeter across the battery and see what it's like when it's fully charged on your charger. It should be at least 13.2-14.4 when the charger says it's cooked.

 

It's worth checking the quality of both the +ve and -ve straps from battery to starter motor and earth respectively. I solved a poor charging problem on the BX by replacing old and corroded battery straps. Also check all wires on the alternator.

 

When you've done all this if the fault persists I think your alternator is Donald Ducked.