Battery charge flicking!?

[Diablos-666]

Just wondered if this is normal, never noticed it before.

I turned the electrics on in the car tonight and noticed the battery reading flicking between 12v to 11.8v to 11.9 volts all within a few seconds.

Is this normal, should I be concerned?

[shep1001]

Not normal for me. Check for poor earth/connection on the power supply?, 100A fuses on its way out or loose?. Maybe the alternator is telling you its calling it a day? put an ammeter on the battery feed and see what its doing.

Shep

[Diablos-666]

Thanks for your reply.

I bought a digital multimeter off fleabay last night so I'll check the connections when it arrives.

I do remember that when I saw the reading flicking I did have the internal light on, the radio on, the heating on and maybe the headlights on. So maybe that made a difference?

I think there may still be an issue though as the charge seems to lower quicker than usual.

Normall the reading would be in the high 12v after a few days without driving but recently the reading has been low 12's late 11v.

[Targarama]

Diablos-666 said:

Thanks for your reply.

I bought a digital multimeter off fleabay last night so I'll check the connections when it arrives.

I do remember that when I saw the reading flicking I did have the internal light on, the radio on, the heating on and maybe the headlights on. So maybe that made a difference?

I think there may still be an issue though as the charge seems to lower quicker than usual.

Normall the reading would be in the high 12v after a few days without driving but recently the reading has been low 12's late 11v.

Don't panic, any one of those could be sucking voltage and causing the reading to vary. The cooler weather won't help the voltage reading, but when was your battery last replaced? If >4 years ago then I suggest changing it before the winter season. It won't last much longer anyway.

[cinquecento]

Have you seen this. It may help...