Battery Question

Jan 27th, 2006, 10:58

Our 740 (golliath) has been dormant for a little while now whist my misses passes her test.

Before christmas I put a brand new battery in it - but obviously as it hasn't run for a while it was totally dead yesterday.

So I jumped it (started first time) - pumped up the tyres and took it for a spin.

As soon as I returned - turned it off - all went dim - and there was now power to start it again.

She's been running for about 30 mins.

Suspected alternator - so jumped it again and checked battery V - over 14V. So alternator ok.

Is it likely to be a duff battery - or, because it's been totally drained - would it be better to take the battery off and charge properly?

Cheers

John.

Jan 27th, 2006, 11:27

If you suspect that the battery is dead, or the alternator is not charging, do the following.

1 - Test battery voltage (engine OFF) - Should be over 12.5v

2 - Test battery voltage (engine RUNNING) - Should be 13.8 - 14.6

3 - Whilst Engine running and meter connected, turn on headlamps, heated screens and hazards - Check voltage - should be as above. (if not ALTERNATOR FAULT) (poss dirty bushes - cheap to replace)

4 - Turn engine off, keeping only headlights on (30 secs max) Voltage should be over 12.4 - otherwise poss battery fault.

Remember even if the battery hasn't been "used" it will still discharge, and yes the extreme cold will affect its life.

Hope that helps !

Jan 27th, 2006, 11:48

It's deffo a battery fault.

What I'm wondering is.........

Cos it's been completely discharged - should running the car charge it - or does it need to be taken off and charged with a propper battery charger??

Jan 27th, 2006, 11:53

Question 1 - How old is the battery ?

And yes, if you can take it off and charge it out of car.

If not, try another battery, that you know works, and go from there !

Otherwise a new battery is probably best, try Partco for a 3 yr warranty one.

J

Jan 27th, 2006, 11:56

This battery's new - so if I find the receipt I should be able to swap it.

Just weird that two new batterys have failed?

johnjp · Jan 28th, 2006, 08:47

I had a problem after accidentally discharging the battery, AA got me going again but said he`d follow me because it would probably stall again. This, he said, was because there needed to be about 5.5V at a `certain` ampere for the alternator to charge effectively, the battery would not be fully charged if it were fully discharged. His advice was to fully charge the battery, out of the car, for as long as possible - 12-18 hours. In fact I`m just about to do the same with mine!.

Jan 28th, 2006, 09:34

Cheers Man.

Best buy a battery charger then - cos the same's happened to my GT4

Jan 27th, 2006, 10:58	#1
euphonium_john Guest Location:	Battery Question Our 740 (golliath) has been dormant for a little while now whist my misses passes her test. Before christmas I put a brand new battery in it - but obviously as it hasn't run for a while it was totally dead yesterday. So I jumped it (started first time) - pumped up the tyres and took it for a spin. As soon as I returned - turned it off - all went dim - and there was now power to start it again. She's been running for about 30 mins. Suspected alternator - so jumped it again and checked battery V - over 14V. So alternator ok. Is it likely to be a duff battery - or, because it's been totally drained - would it be better to take the battery off and charge properly? Cheers John.

Jan 27th, 2006, 11:27	#2
Jester620 Guest Location:	Check load voltage If you suspect that the battery is dead, or the alternator is not charging, do the following. 1 - Test battery voltage (engine OFF) - Should be over 12.5v 2 - Test battery voltage (engine RUNNING) - Should be 13.8 - 14.6 3 - Whilst Engine running and meter connected, turn on headlamps, heated screens and hazards - Check voltage - should be as above. (if not ALTERNATOR FAULT) (poss dirty bushes - cheap to replace) 4 - Turn engine off, keeping only headlights on (30 secs max) Voltage should be over 12.4 - otherwise poss battery fault. Remember even if the battery hasn't been "used" it will still discharge, and yes the extreme cold will affect its life. Hope that helps !

Jan 27th, 2006, 11:48	#3
euphonium_john Guest Location:	It's deffo a battery fault. What I'm wondering is......... Cos it's been completely discharged - should running the car charge it - or does it need to be taken off and charged with a propper battery charger??

Jan 27th, 2006, 11:53	#4
Jester620 Guest Location:	Question 1 - How old is the battery ? And yes, if you can take it off and charge it out of car. If not, try another battery, that you know works, and go from there ! Otherwise a new battery is probably best, try Partco for a 3 yr warranty one. J

Jan 27th, 2006, 11:56	#5
euphonium_john Guest Location:	This battery's new - so if I find the receipt I should be able to swap it. Just weird that two new batterys have failed?

Jan 28th, 2006, 08:47	#6
johnjp Master Member Last Online: Jan 30th, 2019 22:56 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Heathfield, East Sussex View Photos By: johnjp	I had a problem after accidentally discharging the battery, AA got me going again but said he`d follow me because it would probably stall again. This, he said, was because there needed to be about 5.5V at a `certain` ampere for the alternator to charge effectively, the battery would not be fully charged if it were fully discharged. His advice was to fully charge the battery, out of the car, for as long as possible - 12-18 hours. In fact I`m just about to do the same with mine!.

Jan 28th, 2006, 09:34	#7
euphonium_john Guest Location:	Cheers Man. Best buy a battery charger then - cos the same's happened to my GT4

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