battery gauge vxr8

[mickya]

what does your gauge say? mine is showing 15v

[J. J.]

Thats about right. Fully charged 12 volt battery should show 14.6ish volts.

[monkfish1]

The VXR8 charging system is a bit different from the norm, so you may find that the needle moves around quite a bit. It varys too on the age of the car as i understand it because of different software levels. It can be as high as 15 volts. They also use a different type of battery.

[mickya]

thanks guys, thought was a prob looming

[ringram]

Yes, the BCM controls the charging, older models may only charge when battery level gets to 50%, this caused some major issues with slow crank and slow starts and even dead batteries. I understand a technote is out advising of a firmware upgrade to the BCM to charge the battery at the 80% level.

Im going to ask about this as well as I have had slow crank issues resulting in 1 RAC visit so far. Mine varies from 12V at key on, to over 14v when driving with lights on etc.

[mickya]

about the same, maybe even 15v indicated

[ads_green]

All cars vary a fair bit. As long as over 13v it's fine.

This cold weather will play havok as it inhibits the chemical reaction in the battery drastically reducing output. Added on to that you have lights on more, rear heater etc... all increases load.

annoys me as people think it flattens batteries when actually it does the opposite (as long as they don't freeze). In fact you can do wonders with a hair drier warming the battery up if you have trouble starting.

[toprivetgun]

I have a halfrauds trade saver card. Went to buy a battery for mums car. £71 pound reduced to £40 with my card. Now that is a true rip off indeed!

[ringram]

Dude Halfords card is way cool.
Try spark plugs! About 60% off. Plus tools etc are also good value.

[toprivetgun]

Its brilliant. I strongly recommend it to anyone in the car/aircraft trade. Another little bargain. I bought a new pair of wiper blades. £14.90 before, £4.00 after discount... Sorted

[J. J.]

How do you get one? Do you have to be in the motor trade?

[Magic919]

Search for Halfords Trade Card on Google. Then paylips on eBay ;-)

[ringram]

Yeah you need some invoices or stuff and business cards etc. Check out the requirements. I dont think they are too taxing.

[global-i]

ringram said:

Yeah you need some invoices or stuff and business cards etc. Check out the requirements. I dont think they are too taxing.

I knew the 3 years I spent as an apprentice working towards my city and guilds in light vehicle repair would come in handy one day, just didnt think it would take 25 years though!!

[Toprivetgun]

Magic919 said:

Search for Halfords Trade Card on Google. Then paylips on eBay ;-)

Payslips?