boXXer Posted November 5, 2007 Report Posted November 5, 2007 Hello peeps. I have a bit of a small problem with my mk1. Basically, The Battery gauge on the dash goes into the red quite frequently, when you have heater/wipers etc on. So, i checked the charge at the battery terminals, and im getting 13.9v charge (which i guess is right?) The alternator is brand new, but the battery isnt. Does it sound like a duff battery to you? What does the Volt gauge actually tell you? Battery voltage or charge voltage? when all ancilleries are off, it sits JUST above the white sperator marker between red and green. Hope someone can help, as i need car for work tomorrow. Cheers!
Guest MK1gaz Posted November 5, 2007 Report Posted November 5, 2007 Don't trust any gauges in a mk1 escort dash as they are shite !!!!!!!!!!! If a seperate volt meter says its 13.9 volts then it's charging
boXXer Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Posted November 5, 2007 lol! think i need an aftermarket one then.
boXXer Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Posted November 5, 2007 also, would you stick the volt meter on the positive lead, and the negative on the lead, rather than the battery itself.
Muttley MK2 Posted November 5, 2007 Report Posted November 5, 2007 The gauge you have on the dash is a battery condition gauge not a charging one. Only an ammeter will show you how the alternator is charging. With all in working order you should have 13.8 to 14.2 volts coming into the battery. If the battery is not in good condition it may take more of the charge coming from the alternator than it should, this will leave less for other electrical items to use! Does the battery go flat? Have it "drop" or high rate discharge tested and if it fails, replace it. Also check your charge rate with the headlights, heated rear screen and heater motor on, see how much voltage you get then!
boXXer Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Posted November 5, 2007 basically, with the wipers, headlights, heater fan, etc on, it drops to the bottom of the red on the gauge. I had the fan on nearly all day on friday as it was getting hot, and maybe that knocked the battery out.
Guest MK1gaz Posted November 5, 2007 Report Posted November 5, 2007 also, would you stick the volt meter on the positive lead, and the negative on the lead, rather than the battery itself.Put the volt meter leads on the 2 battery terminals and if it's 13.5 volts when the engines running then it's charging . Forget the gauge as it's shite and only fills a hole in the dash !!!!!!!!
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