Battery question - Page 2

Comfortably Numb · 1st December 2018, 19:47

When you don't start a car for a few weeks, especially in this weather/this time of year, you will get a little oxidation on the solenoid contacts. By turning the key several times, each click is knocking off the corrosion, until metal-to-metal contact is made, and the current flows to the motor windings. However, I am amazed that it managed to turn the motor with only 11.4 volts!

Westonboy · 1st December 2018, 21:33

I am monitoring the situation, at present the battery is holding at 12.4 volts after a half hour trickle charge 12 hours ago, so wait and see what happens when I start up in the morning.

RoverP480 · 2nd December 2018, 10:13

12.4 volts is still low. At rest 12.4 volts is still only about 50% charged. Needs to be up to 12.7v or so.

MSS · 2nd December 2018, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoverP480

12.4 volts is still low. At rest 12.4 volts is still only about 50% charged. Needs to be up to 12.7v or so.

The OP did say after 1/2 hour trickle charge.

Westonboy · 2nd December 2018, 12:54

Just started the car, it fired up instantly, and the output from the alternator was 14.2v, I then applied the headlights and fan blower full on, the voltage dropped to 13.2v but went back to 14v when I increased the revs to 1000rpm. Is this indicative of a healthy alternator.

MSS · 2nd December 2018, 13:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westonboy

Hello John, just started the car, it fired up instantly, and the output from the alternator was 14.2v, I then applied the headlights and fan blower full on, the voltage dropped to 13.2v but went back to 14v when I increased the revs to 1000rpm. Is this indicative of a healthy alternator.

I am taking the liberty of responding ILO John, but those readings are OK.

As per my first post, just charge the battery fully and see how it goes over the next couple of weeks.

Dorset Bob · 2nd December 2018, 13:39

Could be worth getting an Optimate, or something similar, to keep the battery in tip-top condition.

Westonboy · 2nd December 2018, 14:36

It really has been so gratifying to receive so much help and advice, thank you each and everyone, what a great club, happy Xmas to you all.

Scaramanga · 2nd December 2018, 15:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arctic

HI Alan.
Yes that is why I said it maybe the starter as you get one click and will not start, but low battery as you say, (multiple clicking sound and no way would it start,)

Also word to the wise if the battery do not keep trying to start the car please read link below from Russ.
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=106447

Yes, this piece of advice from Russ saved my bacon (and a small fortune) a few years back.

Canonite · 2nd December 2018, 15:22

Definitely give the battery a good charge for several hours. I recommend this is done before the clocks go back over the Halloween half term. It needs to be 12.5v absolute minimum, any lower is a huge indication that cells could be compromised and will fail to recharge.
As others have said, ensure the terminals and clamps are free of corrosion and securely fixed.
It sounds to me like your starter motor may be on its way out but could just be from being stood a while as suggested.
Charge the battery and keep your eye on how the starter works given varying timescales the car is stood ie; does it start each day ok, but struggles when left a few days?

2nd December 2018, 13:39	#17
Dorset Bob Senior Citizen Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur SE,Chrysler 300C,124 Spider, Daytona 955i,Honda XL250 & Royal Enfield 650GT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Kingdom of Wessex Posts: 6,976 Thanks: 2,391 Thanked 2,685 Times in 1,686 Posts	Could be worth getting an Optimate, or something similar, to keep the battery in tip-top condition. __________________ Let the good times roll............

1st December 2018, 19:47	#11
Comfortably Numb Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Penrith Posts: 1,336 Thanks: 165 Thanked 303 Times in 241 Posts	When you don't start a car for a few weeks, especially in this weather/this time of year, you will get a little oxidation on the solenoid contacts. By turning the key several times, each click is knocking off the corrosion, until metal-to-metal contact is made, and the current flows to the motor windings. However, I am amazed that it managed to turn the motor with only 11.4 volts!

1st December 2018, 21:33	#12
Westonboy Posted a thing or two Honda Jazz Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Llangollen Posts: 1,025 Thanks: 301 Thanked 344 Times in 158 Posts	I am monitoring the situation, at present the battery is holding at 12.4 volts after a half hour trickle charge 12 hours ago, so wait and see what happens when I start up in the morning.

2nd December 2018, 10:13	#13
RoverP480 Gets stuck in None at the moment Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hereford Posts: 501 Thanks: 1 Thanked 165 Times in 146 Posts	12.4 volts is still low. At rest 12.4 volts is still only about 50% charged. Needs to be up to 12.7v or so.

2nd December 2018, 12:54	#15
Westonboy Posted a thing or two Honda Jazz Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Llangollen Posts: 1,025 Thanks: 301 Thanked 344 Times in 158 Posts	Just started the car, it fired up instantly, and the output from the alternator was 14.2v, I then applied the headlights and fan blower full on, the voltage dropped to 13.2v but went back to 14v when I increased the revs to 1000rpm. Is this indicative of a healthy alternator.

2nd December 2018, 14:36	#18
Westonboy Posted a thing or two Honda Jazz Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Llangollen Posts: 1,025 Thanks: 301 Thanked 344 Times in 158 Posts	It really has been so gratifying to receive so much help and advice, thank you each and everyone, what a great club, happy Xmas to you all.

2nd December 2018, 15:22	#20
Canonite This is my second home BMW 330d Tourer, MG ZT 180 SE XPG, VW Polo 6R 1.2 TDI Bluemotion Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: York Posts: 6,022 Thanks: 363 Thanked 574 Times in 319 Posts	Definitely give the battery a good charge for several hours. I recommend this is done before the clocks go back over the Halloween half term. It needs to be 12.5v absolute minimum, any lower is a huge indication that cells could be compromised and will fail to recharge. As others have said, ensure the terminals and clamps are free of corrosion and securely fixed. It sounds to me like your starter motor may be on its way out but could just be from being stood a while as suggested. Charge the battery and keep your eye on how the starter works given varying timescales the car is stood ie; does it start each day ok, but struggles when left a few days?