Jimbo4x4
Well-Known Member
Hey all, I gave my engine bay a hose down on Friday as there was baked on mud everywhere. I then gave it a half hour in the sun to dry off before moving it, and all worked as it should. Then, that evening I went to start it and there was barely enough juice between the two batteries to turn the engine over once. After a half hours fast rate charge they were just powerful enough to get old Rex running, and I drove out to Anglesey with no problems. Another run that evening went without a hitch.
However, Saturday morning we jumped in the truck to find, yet again, 2 flat batteries. A power pack did nothing. Niether did the builders van next door connceted to one or both batteries on jump leads. I left a spare battery connected to each disconnected battery for half an hour each to equalise the charge then when I reconnected it all there was once again enough juice to get the engine going.
Then half a mile down the road all the warning lights and buzzers come on. I backed my foot of the accelerator and they stopped. I put my foot back down again and they came back on, then I noticed the charge indicator was trying to push past its maximum reading of 16V! I switched the headlights on and everything went back to normal, until another 5 miles down the road when I had to put my blowers on full too. After this everything stayed in the green.
Obviously I don't want to have to drive round with my lights and blowers on all the time and disconnect a battery every time I stop for more than 30mins. What could be the problem? My initial thought was a dead battery but both seem to be holding charge okay, could it be the alternater? If so, is there any way of fixing it or do I need to replace it?
Any suggestions will be greatfully recieved
Jim.
However, Saturday morning we jumped in the truck to find, yet again, 2 flat batteries. A power pack did nothing. Niether did the builders van next door connceted to one or both batteries on jump leads. I left a spare battery connected to each disconnected battery for half an hour each to equalise the charge then when I reconnected it all there was once again enough juice to get the engine going.
Then half a mile down the road all the warning lights and buzzers come on. I backed my foot of the accelerator and they stopped. I put my foot back down again and they came back on, then I noticed the charge indicator was trying to push past its maximum reading of 16V! I switched the headlights on and everything went back to normal, until another 5 miles down the road when I had to put my blowers on full too. After this everything stayed in the green.
Obviously I don't want to have to drive round with my lights and blowers on all the time and disconnect a battery every time I stop for more than 30mins. What could be the problem? My initial thought was a dead battery but both seem to be holding charge okay, could it be the alternater? If so, is there any way of fixing it or do I need to replace it?
Any suggestions will be greatfully recieved
Jim.