Well, you guys are the BEST, I thought I would start a new thread. I have a local mechanic insisting that my alternator is bad, so I think I need to find someone else. Thanks for the quick responses in my previous thread. I have one more question (Sorry for the multiples), if I unhook the negative cable on my battery (While everything is shutoff...no lights, no radio, no wipers, nothing), get a multimeter and test the voltage between the negative cable and the negative battery terminal, am I correct to bel that anything below 12 volts means that no parasite sucking my battery exists? Or any reading, including a 10 volt or 11 volt reading might be proof of an existing parasite? Needless to say, my mechanic has no idea about any pf this, hence the reason why I am here
2007-02-21 03:52:55 · 8 answers · asked by Avellino 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You found me......I'm sorry
2007-02-21 03:55:56 · answer #1 · answered by king_sigh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There will always be a small current draw (the alarm/immobiliser) but if the car is used frequently - at least once a week - this would not flatten the battery. If your mechanic is a qualified auto electrician he will know how to thoroughly test the charging system. If necessary get a second opinion from an auto electrics specialist. Best of luck.
2007-02-21 04:10:31 · answer #2 · answered by Michael B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
remove the battery + use a multimeter in ampere mode or buy clip on ampmeter from lucas. to see what losses the system has. you need a automotive electricition to assist in resolving this problem not a mechanic. it's outside his field of expertise. (no disprspect intended) car alarms can be the main source of battery drain. get lucas to discharge test battery and check altenator output
2007-02-23 09:22:29 · answer #3 · answered by Mick W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can go to your nearest motor factors and buy a simple tester for about £6 will tell you if its the alternator or the battery!
It also works as a 12 volt tester too!
Bargain!
Amps Ohms my ****!
2007-02-21 05:40:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need 14 amps to fully charge your battery however make sure your battery is ok next try this disconnect battery thermal then touch it to the battery if you get a spark you have an open ground good hunting
2007-02-21 04:00:39 · answer #5 · answered by JT B ford man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you want to look for amperage draw this time , set your meter as you say and start pulling fuses until it drops off , your computer , stereo ,and clock will draw some amperage so you will not see 0 . once you find the fuse that drops the amperage draw you have the culprit to troubleshoot . always nice to answer a question from someone intelligent
2007-02-21 04:14:59 · answer #6 · answered by sterling m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the diode in your alternator may be bad, that would charge normal but when the engine is off it sucks power from your battery.
2007-02-21 04:02:34 · answer #7 · answered by native 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parasites don't do it. It is queer ohms that do that.
2007-02-21 03:57:53 · answer #8 · answered by dVille 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋