low voltage...
05-14-2002, 09:37 PM
#19
Racer
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pasadena, CA very soon to be Portland, OR
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What tool to clean the battery terminal/post? I am having similar problems with my car, the voltage shows at slightly below 12.
My problems are that it will occasionally crank but not turn over for a few seconds. I then stop the ignition and try starting it again. The second time always does it for me, this normally happens if the car has been sitting for a while or if it is cold out.
My car has had halogen bulbs put in by the PO. How would this affect anything? Where should I take voltage measurements? Where can new wires be purchased and how much do they run?
My problems are that it will occasionally crank but not turn over for a few seconds. I then stop the ignition and try starting it again. The second time always does it for me, this normally happens if the car has been sitting for a while or if it is cold out.
My car has had halogen bulbs put in by the PO. How would this affect anything? Where should I take voltage measurements? Where can new wires be purchased and how much do they run?
05-14-2002, 10:30 PM
#20
Nordschleife Master
rihaa, you can get the battery cleaner tool at the local chain auto store, it is basically a wire brush with one end that goes over the post to scrub and the other that stickes in the clamp. It is cheap - a buck or two.
Using halogen bulbs shouldn't cause any problems, though if they are higher than 55/60 watt with stock wiring you might want to replace with 55/60.
Start taking the voltage measurements at the battery with the car off. Then start it up and take the measurement again. Then go to various compoments and take measurements and you will be able to see where you are dropping.
Then you can make up some replacement wires yourself or have them made up for you. You might want to wait a few days and see the reports on the headlight kit I'm selling by some Rennlisters. That would likely clear up your wiring replacement problems with the possible exception of the main positive to the starter.
Using halogen bulbs shouldn't cause any problems, though if they are higher than 55/60 watt with stock wiring you might want to replace with 55/60.
Start taking the voltage measurements at the battery with the car off. Then start it up and take the measurement again. Then go to various compoments and take measurements and you will be able to see where you are dropping.
Then you can make up some replacement wires yourself or have them made up for you. You might want to wait a few days and see the reports on the headlight kit I'm selling by some Rennlisters. That would likely clear up your wiring replacement problems with the possible exception of the main positive to the starter.
05-15-2002, 04:52 PM
#21
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Natick MA
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ok well i took the battery out today and cleaned the campartment(it was full of wet leaves and other dirt) it wasn't too pretty. I took off the ground in the campartment and sanded it down till it was nice and shiny with a little hand drill type thing(i put a sandpaper end on it). no idea where the ground from the block is so i didnt tough that but i went for a ride after and the voltage was still low around 12.5-13 and sometimes jumping back upto almost 14 but the good thing is it did not drop to 12, and the gauges did not go all crazy. still not satisfied but so far so good, knock on wood hopefuully i wont get stranded at practice tonight.
oh and i checked the alternator, its fine
oh and i checked the alternator, its fine
05-15-2002, 05:00 PM
#22
Nordschleife Master
Andre, You want to get that ground that goes on the back of the block, next.
BTY, get some die-electric grease or just plain old vasline to put on the connections you are cleaning up to prevent future corrosion.
BTY, get some die-electric grease or just plain old vasline to put on the connections you are cleaning up to prevent future corrosion.
05-15-2002, 06:01 PM
#23
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Providence
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i only had time to clean the terminals today and it made a difference, it's now around 13, which is where is was in the first place, so i think things r good now....i will attack the grounds as soon as possible, too. I'd also like to know about this headlight rewiring thing too....sounds like a good summer project for me. thnx