Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all

I wondered if someone might be able to advise of an ongoing problem I've been having? Over a year ago I noticed that the main battery would discharge from fully charged to not having enough power to be able to crank over the starter motor if it wasn't driven for about a week. Here's a summary of what I've done over the last year or so:

-Fitted a new battery.
- Took it to my local trusted T25 specialist who said battery and charging system was fine, although the stereo was drawing a very small amount of power even when off. So fitted an on/off isolator switch for the stereo to the dash.
-Took it to a specialist auto electrician who confirmed nothing wrong and nothing drawing power when not running.
- Took it back to T25 specialist who confirmed nothing they could see was wrong.
- Fitted a solar panel to keep the battery topped up. This appeared to keep the battery topped up over the summer months but now the days are shorter (and maybe it's colder?), I'm having the same issue again.

I've tested the battery voltage regularly and here an example of the readings after a full, slow 8+ hour mains charge:

12.99v fully charged before fitting (after a few hours 'rest' after charging). 12.93v fitted to van. 13.73v running. 13.10v engine off immediately after a run.

Day 1 12.93v
Day 10 12.15v

The van does have a tracker - one of the cheap generic ones. Could that be drawing that much power that quickly? That's the only thing I can think of, although as started above the van's been tested for anything drawing power when off and there doesn't appear to be anything....

I'm a complete layman and Ive run out of ideas now! Any help/pointers would be much appreciated! Thanks

Actually your charging voltage is marginal, the battery may not be charging fully when you are driving. Minimum should be 13.8V, ideally it should be 14.2V-14.4V dropping the more load you switch on to 13.8V.
If all the wiring connections are clean and tight change the alternator voltage regulator for higher voltage 14.2V or 14.4V one.

Thanks a lot, appreciate the advice

I had this problem - Solved by doing 2 things.
1) Fitted a battery isolator switch - the clock also drains the battery as well as the stereo.
2) Bought a starter pack in case of flat battery. I haven't had to use it yet (touch wood) since getting the isolator switch and starter pack.

Downside is the clock is never the right time.
Upside is it's an extra security measure against theft.

Oh, and check the alternator belt is tensioned correctly. It can slip without you knowing in a rear engined van as you don't hear it slipping.

Thanks that sound like a good idea. Where is your battery isolator switch located?

triumph2.5pi wrote:Thanks that sound like a good idea. Where is your battery isolator switch located?

You have pm. The secret isolator switch is located in the....

Yeah, its easy to find, seen it several times. Its in the....

Hello,

My 100 amp isolator switch is clearly visible, next to the 220v cut off , the fire extinguisher, and the first aid kit..

as you open the sliding door..

Cordialement,

Had a similar problem. To cut a Long story short the wire inside the lug on the alternator had perished and charging was sporadic