Thread Rating:
  • 10 Vote(s) - 3.1 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Do I need a new battery?
#1
Hi everyone Big Grin

The van died on me a few weeks back and needed a new alternator (I knew it was on its way out by the noise it was making). Got the van back, all was good.

I guess as the alternator problem was happening for a while I should have changed the battery at the same time but, alas, I didn't. Went to start the van Monday morning and it just kept trying to turn over and eventually died and wouldn't do anything.

Tried again today but its not different, although the battery is reading 12.1v. After trying to start it a few times the voltage dropped to 11.7v.

I figured the battery was the obvious place to start before the plugs?

Also, on a side note, I think the garage put in too much oil on its last service. The dash level is completely full and on checking the dipstick the level is quite a bit over the max line, could this be the cause of my recent sluggish performance and slight "tractor" noise?

Thanks!
Peugeot Partner 2.0hdi • Ford Focus RS • Porsche 944 • BMW 120d
Reply
#2
(20-03-2013, 02:37 PM)ST12AT Wrote:  Hi everyone Big Grin

The van died on me a few weeks back and needed a new alternator (I knew it was on its way out by the noise it was making). Got the van back, all was good.

I guess as the alternator problem was happening for a while I should have changed the battery at the same time but, alas, I didn't. Went to start the van Monday morning and it just kept trying to turn over and eventually died and wouldn't do anything.

Tried again today but its not different, although the battery is reading 12.1v. After trying to start it a few times the voltage dropped to 11.7v.

I figured the battery was the obvious place to start before the plugs?

Also, on a side note, I think the garage put in too much oil on its last service. The dash level is completely full and on checking the dipstick the level is quite a bit over the max line, could this be the cause of my recent sluggish performance and slight "tractor" noise?

Thanks!

Battery should be at 14.4v so it probably is well shot.

The excess oil will find its own way out -unfortunatly it may not be in the most healthy way for the rest of the engine so its probably as well to drop a litre out then replenish with some fresh to the right level
[-] The following 1 user says Thank You to evdama for this post:
  • ST12AT
Reply
#3
Thanks Big Grin

Hopefully that'll do the trick.
Peugeot Partner 2.0hdi • Ford Focus RS • Porsche 944 • BMW 120d
Reply
#4
The battery will read 12.6 or thereabouts with the engine off if it is healthy, 14.4 with it running and the alternator charging it up.
So where does this bit go then ?
Reply
#5
Well it was 12.16 with the engine off. Can't read it with the engine going as I can't get the engine started.

I can hear the glow plugs buzzing when the ignition is on...
Peugeot Partner 2.0hdi • Ford Focus RS • Porsche 944 • BMW 120d
Reply
#6
From what you say, battery sounds okay, however a battery must be tested under load.
Check volt reading when trying to start the car or get one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ery+tester
Reply
#7
(20-03-2013, 06:34 PM)MudFT Wrote:  From what you say, battery sounds okay, however a battery must be tested under load.
Check volt reading when trying to start the car or get one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ery+tester

I take it that will provide the load instead of the engine...
Peugeot Partner 2.0hdi • Ford Focus RS • Porsche 944 • BMW 120d
Reply
#8
(20-03-2013, 06:34 PM)MudFT Wrote:  From what you say, battery sounds okay, however a battery must be tested under load.
Check volt reading when trying to start the car or get one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ery+tester

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clarke-Battery...4d0aae0ae9

I have had something similar to this for many years.
Proved excellent for basic battery/alternator testing.
(And paid less than £5 for it.)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yato-professio...27cf9ea509
As mentioned in previous replies you need 12.5v + in the battery and 14.5v when engine (alternator) is running (charging). :thumbsup:
Reply
#9
(20-03-2013, 06:49 PM)ST12AT Wrote:  
(20-03-2013, 06:34 PM)MudFT Wrote:  From what you say, battery sounds okay, however a battery must be tested under load.
Check volt reading when trying to start the car or get one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ery+tester

I take it that will provide the load instead of the engine...

Yes, a very good tool to own.
J90xxx's ebay link looks a good option.
Reply
#10
(20-03-2013, 06:16 PM)ST12AT Wrote:  Well it was 12.16 with the engine off. Can't read it with the engine going as I can't get the engine started.

I can hear the glow plugs buzzing when the ignition is on...

12.16 is a dead battery, anything below 12.5v is suspect. It will not turn the engine fast enough to start unless it is warm or a very good starter. Get a jump off a good battery then read the voltage the alternator is putting out Which will be between 13.8 and 14.4 if it is in good order. In reply to your first question I'd say yes you need a new battery and save the money for a tester to put towards it.
So where does this bit go then ?
[-] The following 1 user says Thank You to ffrenchie for this post:
  • ST12AT
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)
[-]
Welcome
You have to register before you can post on our site.

Username:
  

Password:
  




[-]
Search
(Advanced Search)

[-]
Latest Threads
Service interval notice
Last Post: jocas74
Today 02:23 AM
» Replies: 7
» Views: 359
Winter Tyres
Last Post: geoff
Today 12:19 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 17
23 plate Citreon Berlingo classed as a van
Last Post: W Petsa
Yesterday 10:39 PM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 35
The creation of my personal solo-travellor.
Last Post: EM58
Yesterday 06:17 PM
» Replies: 12
» Views: 740
M59 Throttle pedal
Last Post: evdama
Yesterday 01:10 PM
» Replies: 5
» Views: 178
Berlingo 2007 1.6 hdi - intermittent sticky acce...
Last Post: Romahomepete
Yesterday 01:05 PM
» Replies: 7
» Views: 329
roof rack with slats
Last Post: BigVtwin996
Yesterday 11:53 AM
» Replies: 4
» Views: 192
Battery upgrade
Last Post: evdama
27-03-2024 03:58 PM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 99
Wanted: 2003 M59 steering rack
Last Post: evdama
27-03-2024 12:45 PM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 57
Airbag Fault Code
Last Post: Cumbrian
26-03-2024 03:06 PM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 214

[-]
Recent Visitors
Locations of visitors to this page

[-]
Hosting by

QuickHostUK