Is my battery on the way out

steve2 · 09-02-2010, 02:11 PM

I think it might be on the way out, when i turn on especially in the morning the guage shows 8 volts until the glow plug light goes out and then it goes up to 12 volts.
Once the engine is running it goes up to 14 volts so im sure the alternator is ok, can someone tell me what their volt guage shows when you first turn the ignition on please

Mook · 09-02-2010, 02:31 PM

Is it cranking OK, Steve?

steve2 · 09-02-2010, 07:55 PM

no problem starting at present but am wary of it letting me down at a wrong moment, I think i will get a new one tommorow to be safe

mb · 10-02-2010, 09:05 PM

Don't forget the glow plugs are drawing current so I would expect the voltage to go down when they are on - it is a bit like putting the lights on without the engine running - bound to use some energy. Is there a "magic" eye on the battery which is meant to show its health or as Mook says does it turn over at the same speed as usual ? If in doubt will be a good idea to replace as diesel will need more power so be hard to jump start unless can find another diesel.

steve2 · 11-02-2010, 12:10 AM

I bought a new battery and fitted it today and is a big improvement on the old one.
the voltage guage flies up straightaway rather than crawling up slowly and the glow plugs seem to heat up quicker

I have a clarke 910 powerpack which is very handy for starting up a car with a flat battery like my neighbours astra van every morning

The install of the battery is a right pain in the ar*e so tight in there and no recoding of the radio either

Mook · 11-02-2010, 11:28 AM

Glad it's sorted mate

09-02-2010, 02:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
steve2 BMW M5 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: medway,Kent Posts: 4,721	Is my battery on the way out I think it might be on the way out, when i turn on especially in the morning the guage shows 8 volts until the glow plug light goes out and then it goes up to 12 volts. Once the engine is running it goes up to 14 volts so im sure the alternator is ok, can someone tell me what their volt guage shows when you first turn the ignition on please __________________ previously known as stevejb with 1408 posts first registered on 24/09/03 08:20 PM

09-02-2010, 02:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mook the Puke Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: All over the place Posts: 20,614	Is it cranking OK, Steve? __________________

09-02-2010, 07:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
steve2 BMW M5 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: medway,Kent Posts: 4,721	no problem starting at present but am wary of it letting me down at a wrong moment, I think i will get a new one tommorow to be safe __________________ previously known as stevejb with 1408 posts first registered on 24/09/03 08:20 PM

11-02-2010, 12:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
steve2 BMW M5 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: medway,Kent Posts: 4,721	I bought a new battery and fitted it today and is a big improvement on the old one. the voltage guage flies up straightaway rather than crawling up slowly and the glow plugs seem to heat up quicker I have a clarke 910 powerpack which is very handy for starting up a car with a flat battery like my neighbours astra van every morning The install of the battery is a right pain in the ar*e so tight in there and no recoding of the radio either __________________ previously known as stevejb with 1408 posts first registered on 24/09/03 08:20 PM

11-02-2010, 11:28 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mook the Puke Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: All over the place Posts: 20,614	Glad it's sorted mate __________________

10-02-2010, 09:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
mb Nissan GTR Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Southampton Posts: 3,838	Don't forget the glow plugs are drawing current so I would expect the voltage to go down when they are on - it is a bit like putting the lights on without the engine running - bound to use some energy. Is there a "magic" eye on the battery which is meant to show its health or as Mook says does it turn over at the same speed as usual ? If in doubt will be a good idea to replace as diesel will need more power so be hard to jump start unless can find another diesel.