Just another Battery problem

[dlkbs1]

2 things would appreciate advice on:

Got a new battery about 6 months ago and it's half life is about 3 days if I don't keep it plugged into my Accumate. I ran a cable from the terminals round behind the passenger seat and keep it charged that way, so shouldn't be any dodgy connections. no lights staying on or anything like that either.

I left it plugged in last week and went to start it on Saturday expecting the battery to be fully charged, absolutely nothing. The speedo and rev counter spun when I clicked the key over to start but that was all. The car then locked itself and the alarm went off but only clicked, presume not enough power to sound the audible warning. Reconnected my Accumate and it shows after 24hrs still in a state of Absorb. Anyone any ideas what is wrong.

[Ribol]

I would trying charging the battery up fully, leave one of the battery terminals off, reconnecting before use and see if that changes things(no discharge).

If it does not lose its charge it is car related, if it still does it will be the battery. If it is the car then the search begins.

[V8 Animal]

Can you borrow or buy a hydrometer and fully charge the battery as stated then check each cell.
Did you have the same problem before you bought a new one?
V8 Animal

[dlkbs1]

Did the same with the old battery. Seems something is drawing between half and 1 amp per hour if it is a 60 mah battery to drain it so quickly.

[zumbruk]

Heated mirrors stuck on?

[Ribol]

dlkbs1 said:

Did the same with the old battery. Seems something is drawing between half and 1 amp per hour if it is a 60 mah battery to drain it so quickly.

If you are saying you have already tried what I posted above have you tried disconnecting the alternator - always a good one to try?

[dlkbs1]

Hi Ribol,

Not tried what you said, as assumed because I was getting the same behaviour from old and new battery there was definitely a drain. It is a 93 4.3 Chim with nothing as advanced as heated mirrors.

What do you mean with the disconnecting the alternator bit of your post.

Thanks

[Paulathome]

He means disconnect the alternator at the alternator end, the biggest of the wires that go to the back of the alternator.
Sometimes the diode pack on the alternator can become leaky and causes battery drain.
Best thing to do is put an ammeter in series with the battery positive and take each fuse out
one by one until the current drain drops then you should know where to look for the fault.
There will always be some current drain due to the alarm system but it should be no where near
one amp. Don't forget to shut the doors and turn the courtesy light off. The courtesy light circuit will still draw some current even when you turn the light off inside the car as it is
driven by a relay, so close the doors as well.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Paul

[Ribol]

Paulathome said:

He means disconnect the alternator at the alternator end, the biggest of the wires that go to the back of the alternator.
Sometimes the diode pack on the alternator can become leaky and causes battery drain.

[spend]

1 93 Chim does have heated mirrors.

2. disconnecting brown wires at alt is like disconnecing battery. Battery lead to starter, starter post 2xN to alt terminal post, 2xN to fusebox. If you wish to disconnect the alt you then need to bolt all 4 ring terminals back together (and make sure they dont touch ground )

Dave

[spend]

Try disconnecting the black ignition relay in the fuse box, also worth pulling the courtesy light relay/timer at the same time.

Dave

[chef_golf]

i also hav ea 93 4.3 chim, it has heated mirrors, i have had the same problem first time it has turned out to be a drain because of the alarm, so had it disconnected and the second time the immobaliser so had that disconected too, still has a tracker and a big bast*@d garage door would recomend taking it to a damn good auto electrician.

[dlkbs1]

I was going by my manual and that did not mention heated mirrors, although I now see the fuse is there. Don't appear to be stuck on though.

Probably the alarm as you say. Maybe I'll get one of those battery cut off switches that fits over the negative post on the battery case. Then at least I can leave it for a few days not hooked up to a charger until I get chance to investigate further or get it checked out.

Anyone had any experience with those portable jump start units that you can buy to leave in the boot. Would they provide sufficient current to turn over a 4.3 L engine?

[nashy]

I blew the diodes on my alternator by charging the battery while still connected to the car (yes - I'm an idiot and I'm paying for it!). The battery light on the dash is on all the time even with the ignition off and key out if you have the same problem.

I also have one of the portable power packs you mention and it will start the car with no problem. It's a very useful addition to the garage! I guess they come in different sizes though so might be worth shopping round first.

[that daddy]

nashy said:

I blew the diodes on my alternator by charging the battery while still connected to the car (yes - I'm an idiot and I'm paying for it!). The battery light on the dash is on all the time even with the ignition off and key out if you have the same problem.

I also have one of the portable power packs you mention and it will start the car with no problem. It's a very useful addition to the garage! I guess they come in different sizes though so might be worth shopping round first.

I would get that battery charger checked out before you use again,it should not have done this damage to your alt unit Nashy

[medieval]

I must admit Nashy, I have not had a problem wih my charger and I have used it in the manner you describe.

As far as I know it should not do that sort of damage but I could well be wrong (certainly would not be the first time )