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VS Electrics going crazy

Cobra Clutch

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VSii V6 Duel Fuel

Had problems losing charge lately, then the other day when I started the car the electrics went crazy.
I decided to limp it home, but then everything kicked in back to normal.

Seemed fine, then it happened again today and seems to be stuck like it.

Harder to start, engine fan goes on, less power, dash goes crazy, indicators go on and off. Sometimes different, but you get it. Seems to drive sorta ok but less power.

Also, there is now suddenly a 'cranking/grinding' type noise straight after start-up, not sure if related.

Could faulty alt cause this?
Or is it an earthing problem? I replaced the tensioner arm the other week which has the earth on it, but it seems fine.

Stressing hard, need it for work Tuesday, if you have any ideas I would appreciate it so much.
 

holdenboy

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Yeah sounds like it might be an earthing problem, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.
Also, use a multimeter to check the battery voltage when the car is running, it should sit at anywhere in between 13.5-14.4v.

Could maybe be the ECU playing up, or maybe the ignition switch itself?

Cranking / grinding noise could also be the starter motor solenoid not dis-engaging after starting, hence the reason for me suggesting the ignition switch.

But start with the battery terminals and a voltage check.
 

Cobra Clutch

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Thanks for the time.

I already did the terminals today, they're only six months old anyway.
There could be some wires crossed though, on the way to the alt, I guess is another option.
I'll check again tomorrow.

Ignition switch is interesting, but that wouldn't cause all the electrical problems would it?
Or is the electrical problem causing the ignition switch to play up?
 

Cobra Clutch

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The batt voltage when running is about 13.9 and when off, it sits t about 12.5
But I think I fixed the shorting problem and there is no 'cranking' anymore.

Not sure how to check if its taking charge when off though?
 

holdenboy

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Well the alternator sounds like its fine, i forgot to add give the engine a rev while watching the voltage, shouldn't change much.

The easiest way to test for a drain is to get yourself one of these:

Auto Current Tester - Jaycar Electronics

Either that or your mulitmeter set to amps (A)

Just turn the car off, remove the key and jump in the drivers seat. Remove the cover panel under the steering wheel to access the fuses, remove one fuse at a time and put the above tester (or mulitmeter probes) in each of that fuses terminals. You should see more than a few milliamps, maybe 0.5A. Anything over 2-3A is draining the battery. Do the same check for the fuses under the bonnet (might need to use a little adapter to reach the larger terminals on the main fuses). If you find one thats pulling too much current then whatever that circuit is theres a problem.
 

Cobra Clutch

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Thanks heaps mate.
But..I put the multi in a fuse terminal and it sparked up!
Didn't wanna mess with the other much cause I didnt wanna cause a short
 

holdenboy

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Hmm, make sure the multimeter probes arent touching anything else.

Might be better off to just do it straight from the battery (disconnect pos terminal and put the mulitmeter probes on the terminal and the battery post) as described in your other thread.
 

Cobra Clutch

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You can obviously do it the way you said though, like those current testers, I just think because I didn't put it on a high enough ampage.

Thanks for the help man, I really appreciate the time
 
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