400SE - discharging electrics - any ideas?
Discussion
Folks - to introduce myself I am the lucky new owner of wedge-perfects much loved 400SE. Look forward to getting to know you all better as we get out and about - if ever there was a car built for driving!
Got a problem - not quite sure where to start. Car starts and runs superbly off a fully charged battery - appears to maintain its charge whilst running. Stop restart no issues. Leave it parked for a few hours - absolutely dead. Same thing with spare battery. One light pod is not fully returning to flat but lights are not on.
Anyone got any wisdom on what could be draining the system so quick?
Many Thanks
Got a problem - not quite sure where to start. Car starts and runs superbly off a fully charged battery - appears to maintain its charge whilst running. Stop restart no issues. Leave it parked for a few hours - absolutely dead. Same thing with spare battery. One light pod is not fully returning to flat but lights are not on.
Anyone got any wisdom on what could be draining the system so quick?
Many Thanks
Clamp meter? Inline multimeter on current range?
If the non-flush pod appears to be working properly it's probably not sticking and taking current when it shouldn't be... though you could have a feel of the pod motor to see if it's warm.
Next up could be the alternator; some internal regulator faults cause the battery to discharge through the alternator, if there's a reasonable amount of current flowing it'll also feel warm (assuming you haven't just been driving it).
Bit hard to fault-find on electrics by remote control though...
If the non-flush pod appears to be working properly it's probably not sticking and taking current when it shouldn't be... though you could have a feel of the pod motor to see if it's warm.
Next up could be the alternator; some internal regulator faults cause the battery to discharge through the alternator, if there's a reasonable amount of current flowing it'll also feel warm (assuming you haven't just been driving it).
Bit hard to fault-find on electrics by remote control though...
Is perhaps the charging light (could be very dim) a bit on even when the engine is switched off with the ignition switched on? Or is it on when you are driving? Then the diode pack is very suspect and you have the issue mentioned before if the battery is ok. This diode pack can be replaced.
Alternatively you can take the alternator out and have it tested. Would not cost a lot and if not ok, normally this place can help you to fix it as well.
The solenoid on the starter can have the same effect. As mentioned before, just switching the ignition on and not starting, waiting and testing the temperature (after switching the ignition off for security....) and it is very hot, this is suspect. Sometimes cleaning helps, but often it needs to be replaced. Not to difficult if removing the starter from your wedge is an easy task (and it is not on mine).
Rob
Alternatively you can take the alternator out and have it tested. Would not cost a lot and if not ok, normally this place can help you to fix it as well.
The solenoid on the starter can have the same effect. As mentioned before, just switching the ignition on and not starting, waiting and testing the temperature (after switching the ignition off for security....) and it is very hot, this is suspect. Sometimes cleaning helps, but often it needs to be replaced. Not to difficult if removing the starter from your wedge is an easy task (and it is not on mine).
Rob
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