Intermittent death - lots of potential causes checked

[Foeux]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

I get what you're saying Ian but the answer to your question is no, probably not. If the battery wasn't taking any charge, the voltage would gradually reduce, the fuel ECU would recognise that and firstly go into Limp Mode and then cause all kinds of weird and wonderful running symptoms. Even with a battery good enough to start the car after charging independently, if the battery isn't capable of taking the charge from the alternator, the alternator won't put out so much and it becomes a vicious circle.

I have to say i wasn't surprised when the OP posted his recent problems after thinking it was fixed after what the guy did to the various connections, i had a sneaking suspicion about the battery but obviously with the potential prescence of other intermittent faults which have now been remdied, there wasn't enough evidence on the thread for me to suggest it.

I wonder what the man actually did. Looking at it, it seems some wires were just wiped off to look new. None of the nuts seem to have been loosened and tightened etc.

[Foeux]

For those interested (may be none at all) the battery charger is a NOCO genius 3500 running on repair cycle which is 16.5v 1.5A

Here is the link

[griston64]

Originally Posted by Foeux

For those interested (may be none at all) the battery charger is a NOCO genius 3500 running on repair cycle which is 16.5v 1.5A

Here is the link

Ideal

[Foeux]

Patient and helpful friends, thanks for your continued curiosity and advice.

The smart charger has been allowed to do its thing...TWICE. Both times its findings were damning.

Single flash on the error light:

VI_005.jpg

This means the battery is goosed and will not hold a charge.

Is this the problem itself or a symptom of the problem (being rapidly discharged and then recharged a lot)?

New batt incoming.

Watch this space.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Foeux

Patient and helpful friends, thanks for your continued curiosity and advice.

The smart charger has been allowed to do its thing...TWICE. Both times its findings were damning.

Single flash on the error light:

Attachment 141659

This means the battery is goosed and will not hold a charge.

Is this the problem itself or a symptom of the problem (being rapidly discharged and then recharged a lot)?

New batt incoming.

Watch this space.

I thought as much. That's the result of the battery having insufficient charging voltage for a calcium battery.

What is the new battery you have coming and are you sure it's not a calcium type?

[Foeux]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

I thought as much. That's the result of the battery having insufficient charging voltage for a calcium battery.

What is the new battery you have coming and are you sure it's not a calcium type?

I'll just go and buy that halfords one you suggested unless there is one on offer somewhere that you know is lead-acid...

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Foeux

I'll just go and buy that halfords one you suggested unless there is one on offer somewhere that you know is lead-acid...

Don't know of any on special offer sadly

[Foeux]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

Don't know of any on special offer sadly

Of course, now the car won't exhibit any problems at all. Starts perfectly, runs perfectly, won't splutter, will even start after extensive fiddling with lights, windows and electric seats with ignition on and engine not running.

One thing a pal did notice is that the alternator was quite hot quite quickly (we had as many drains on it as poss). Does that mean anything?

Thanks.

[Foeux]

Well, the plot thickens.

I reserved a battery from Halfords. Waited the allotted hour and went to collect. When I arrived they found no battery. They showed two in stock...

That Halfords store alone has had 12 batteries nicked recently.

They apologised but I am batteryless.

Checked the car when I got home and of course it started and ran perfectly so will be sourcing a battery tomorrow from somewhere else.

IT MUST BE LEAD ACID

[bob12]

Living in a parallel world it wasn't until today when I had my 8.5 year old battery out of the 745 to have a look at the water level and give it a charge (although it wasn't playing up) something I tend to do twice a year and, always being interested in learned discussion on the pros and cons of lead acid versus calcium batteries/required alternator output rates, I looked at the 'makers' label on the side.

Well, horror of horrors, what I had always treated as a lead acid battery turns out to be a ca/ca battery!! I have always used my ancient variable rate Bradex charger which takes about 20 to 30 + hrs to get the battery to 'gas freely'. I have just given it 24 hrs charge.

The alternator on the 745 is the all original 80A one and, when running the voltmeter needle settles midway on the dial at about 13 volts.

I had been concerned that lead acid battery sources were getting less but, when this battery does go based on my experience with this battery, I shall be content to get another for currently about £61.

Bob