Got a new battery the other day. The bloke in the shop said " Is it the same battery as the UK spec?" And i said yes!

 

I have a N/A import and obviously the UK spec is Twin Turbo only!

I didnt think this would be much of a problem.

 

However as ive been driving about ive noticed the volt meter slowly dropping in the car - to as low as 10 volts at one point - but when i revved it, it would go back up to just over 12volts!

 

Got in the car today and its too flat to start the car! How do i check if its the wrong battery or whether its not charging properly?

 

Thanks for your help ;)

Sounds like your alternator isn't charging properly.

 

You could jump start it then get a grip ammeter/voltmeter on the lines out of the alternator to see what thats doing.

like Mike says, its probably your alternator!

 

as long as the battery youve got is physically the right size, and the capacity is the same or similar then it will be fine - iv got a merc one on mine ;)

If you don't have the gear and your with the RAC or AA etc. get them out to check it or take in to something like a Kwikfit place.

Geoff.

will they check the alternator?

 

Has anyone got a pic of where its located ?

Originally posted by chopper

will they check the alternator?

 

Has anyone got a pic of where its located ?

 

They should check it - my old Fiesta's alternator packed in and killed my electrics on the M6 earlier this year. The AA bloke knew exactly what he was doing with a multimeter and even took me to Halfords off the next junction to buy a new one, and fitted it there and then, v impressed.

 

I think the zed's alternator is a bit more difficult to get to IIRC, try a search.

 

Pete

Thanks matey will check it out !!

you can check the voltage output at the battery with a voltmeter, should be up to around 14v when revved to around 1500 - 2000 rpm, may drop to around 13v under load (lots of consumers on).

 

amp output is most easily checked by an inductive pickup on the output wire from the alternator.

 

usually (tho not always) you will loose everything when it stops charging, so check your voltage at the battery 1st