Electrical Gremlins

[Guest rwh]

Took the Zero out for a run today and when I got back I stopped the engine before opening the garage and then it wouldn't start. The battery was flat!!! While I was driving, the voltmeter was showing 14 volts all the time - not right surely?

Put the battery on charge and after about 10 mins it was showing charged. Started the engine and voltmeter was again showing 14 volts (confirmed by my multimeter). When I put on the lights the voltmeter dropped to about 12 volts and then climbed up to 14 volts when the lights were switched off.

Do you think the battery is knackered or could it be the alternator?

[Guest peter2b2002]

slipping fan belt?

peter2b

[Guest rwh]

First thing I checked. Tension OK

[Guest Ian & Carole]

13.5 - 14 volts charge is what I would expect from a healthy alternator, so I would think battery is at fault, check all wires to / from battery, good earth etc.

[maccavvy]

Sounds like voltage regulator to me...should be about 14 volts no matter what

[chris n]

Sounds like a dead battery cell to me, had the same thing on our Astra

take it on a long run, get home switch off, go to start again battery dead as a dodo

[David S]

Check the battery. I had funny issues with charging and low battery. I bought one off the shelf from GBS and it turned out it was almost dry. Topped up with distilled water and never a problem since.

[Guest rwh]

Got a new battery today and (fingers crossed) hopefully this has cured the problem. The engine is spinning over better than it ever has, Thanks guys for the advice.

[stevedohc2b]

Stephenern batteries seem to just die hapened to me at stoneleigh volt meter showing 14 volts all time stopped un hitched caravan and it was dead

 

Ste