Battery drain issues continue
Nordschleife Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,326
Likes: 77
Dc current clamps are very affordable now. It can track that alternator drain instantly by clamping the power supply cable inside the engine bay.
If you put it around one of the battery cables, it will show you if the battery is currently being charged or if its draining. This avoids disconnecting the battery, which can cause whatever drain condition to go away (undetectable) as eletronic modules get reset when power is reconnected.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O0H...JvL&ref=plSrch
If you put it around one of the battery cables, it will show you if the battery is currently being charged or if its draining. This avoids disconnecting the battery, which can cause whatever drain condition to go away (undetectable) as eletronic modules get reset when power is reconnected.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O0H...JvL&ref=plSrch
Thread Starter
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,379
Likes: 91
From: Charlotte, NC
This car is wacky...
I'm back to commuting now and almost the entire drive the voltmeter is at or around 14 volts. So I've had no issues for the past few days.
I'm still going to have the dealer check it out when I get my track inspection done but just another piece to the puzzle.
I'm back to commuting now and almost the entire drive the voltmeter is at or around 14 volts. So I've had no issues for the past few days.
I'm still going to have the dealer check it out when I get my track inspection done but just another piece to the puzzle.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,326
Likes: 77
I always recommend this handy and extremely accurate tool for ppl to monitor the battery. It uses only 7mA so it's save to leave it plugged in overnight.
Various readings under different conditions will tell you a lot about how well your charging system is working.
Before you unlock the door in the morning, take a peek through the windows. The battery should be around 12.5v. If not, your battery is not fully charged. When cranking, it should show 9-10v. When driving, it should be around 13.3v- 14.2v with moderate load such as a/c and low beam ON.
Various readings under different conditions will tell you a lot about how well your charging system is working.
Before you unlock the door in the morning, take a peek through the windows. The battery should be around 12.5v. If not, your battery is not fully charged. When cranking, it should show 9-10v. When driving, it should be around 13.3v- 14.2v with moderate load such as a/c and low beam ON.
Thread Starter
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,379
Likes: 91
From: Charlotte, NC
Just wanted to provide closure for this thread...
I took my car into the dealer today for a track inspection and asked them to check out the charging system. They tested the alternator, battery, and all of the bits and pieces in between.
What they found was that everything was working as it should. So I asked what the problem has been? They said it was because I hadn't been driving it enough. Now since I've been using the car again on a daily basis I've had no issues but I'm still going to keep my eye out.
Anyway I guess problem solved...for now!
I took my car into the dealer today for a track inspection and asked them to check out the charging system. They tested the alternator, battery, and all of the bits and pieces in between.
What they found was that everything was working as it should. So I asked what the problem has been? They said it was because I hadn't been driving it enough. Now since I've been using the car again on a daily basis I've had no issues but I'm still going to keep my eye out.
Anyway I guess problem solved...for now!
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,913
Likes: 25
Sitting for a long period on a fully charged battery will indeed drain it, but based on your described driving habits I suspect (like me) your battery is never getting fully recharged after cranking.
Find an excuse to take it for a good long drive without stopping and re-cranking (maybe an hour or so) where your RPMs can get all over the place (the higher the better). Then see how it acts.
I suspect that you just need a battery tender to help you recharge after the short drives. Or just drive it longer distances
Find an excuse to take it for a good long drive without stopping and re-cranking (maybe an hour or so) where your RPMs can get all over the place (the higher the better). Then see how it acts.
I suspect that you just need a battery tender to help you recharge after the short drives. Or just drive it longer distances
Thread Starter
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,379
Likes: 91
From: Charlotte, NC
But yeah you were right. Just for reference my commute now is about 22 miles so plenty of time to charge. While when I was not commuting it would sit for a couple of days then go for a 5 mile drive, head back, and park again for 2-3 days.
I have my trickle charger set up now though so if I get into that situation again I'll make sure to use it. And I got really good at using my multimeter and bought a better battery out of the whole deal. So I guess a win on all fronts!
But what do the city guys do? If your car is parked in NYC or SFO you can't hook up a trickle charger and it's not likely you'll drive 5 miles at any point in time. So how do they survive?
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,913
Likes: 25
