Flat Battery?

Question

Corsa Breeze Diesel 1.7 (S reg- Isuzu engine) My battery keeps running flat and we just don't know why. I've had the alternator checked and put a new battery in but nothing seems to be working. There seems to be no real reason for the battery to die as i do quite long journeys in the car. There's no drain on the battery when it's not running (checked for faults too) and have fully charged the battery with a trickle charger more than once. Any ideas what could be wrong? i'm starting to think it must be the alternator even though i've had it tested but i just don't know! Is it possible to have an intermittent alternator fault?

Thanks

Answer 1

The voltage regulator could be shorted which will allow the battery to drain when the car is off. I don't know if the voltage regulator is built in to the alternator on that car or not. It might have an external regulator mounted on the fender well or firewall.

Answer 2

Batteries can get strange faults, first, try disconnecting the battery when you leave the car, if you have a hydrometer, check the battery SG when you leave, and when you get back.
How did you check for drain? The best way is to use a milliammeter, in series with the battery connection, when the car is off (remember to close doors & boot!). As for the Alternator, its not impossible that you have a sticky brush or a dry joint. The only way you would see this is if you had an ammeter on your dash, so you could monitor the output as you drive (had that setup once on a 1972 motor I converted from Generator to Alternator) If you are able to, maybe stripping the alternator, clean up,replace the brushes, and check/resolder the joints.

Answer 3

A discharged battery is one that needs to be charged. A flat battery is the form of a battery utilized in cellular telephones, computing device computers, and different contraptions to grant a low profile shape. A battery that grow to be run over must be seen flat for the reason that that describes it particularly is shape. A flat tire is one that needs a great quantity of extra air to attain appropriate inflation rigidity. using the word "flat battery" for a discharged battery is purely a misnomer.

Answer 4

Only thing I can think of is have you the right type of battery. If it is too small a capacity then starting the engine will knock the stuffing out of it and even long runs won't charge it up sufficiently. Had this problem running a Jag on too small a battery, more extreme situation but similar symptoms.

Answer 5

Only thing I can think of is have you the right type of battery. If it is too small a capacity then starting the engine will knock the stuffing out of it and even long runs won't charge it up sufficiently. Had this problem running a Jag on too small a battery, more extreme situation but similar symptoms.

Answer 6

The charging system is pretty basic, the alternator charges the battery. Make sure your fan belt is god and tight and all the connections to the battery and alternator are clean and tight. Try this test....... start the car, remove the positive battery connection, if the car stays running then alternator is good, if the car dies then the alternator is bad.

Answer 7

it is possible to have an intermittent fault due to a loose connection or corroded terminal.as you say you have checked everything then this is the most likely scenario.i trust that you have a battery and alternator suitable for your car.check your charging rate with headlights and every thing else on with a amnmeter

Answer 8

Hi

One popular cause for a mysteriously draining battery is the light in the luggage compartment staying on.

Remove the parcel shelf or drop the rear seats, and have a look (with the lid shut of course!!)

Cheers

Geordie

Answer 9

Have you checked the ground cable going to the frame for corrosion? That may prevent the battery from getting a full charge.

Answer 10

It could just be a loose connection from one of the alternator leads, how long have you had the battery?