VS Battery, Starter or Something else?

[hsv91ss]

hey guys

just a question, I have a small problem every-time I try and start the VS it drags it ass as if the battery is flat, yet it does start eventually until today, so luckily my neighbor is a mechanic and gave me a jump, then it started faster then it ever has before and the multi-meter gave a charge of 14.0 when it was running but when off went down into the twelves, does this sound more like the battery or could it be a malfunction starter pulling too much current?

Thanks

[axemurderer101]

if it starts straight away when jump starting the yes it probably is the battery, do you know how old the battery is?

[hsv91ss]

the battery isn't that old apparently, and indicates it is charged but neighbor said, may not have enough cranking amps.

[excalibur]

could be a shagged alternator

[strgas]

check your alt output and engine earth lead and main charge wire

[hako]

I'd say you mechanic neighbor is correct - battery is buggered.

[hsv91ss]

yeah, I am guessing he is as he checked the charge when it was running and alternator was charging @ 14 volts, and on Saturday when I picked it up I Drove it over 100KM and it never stalled once going from loosing charge, just don't seem to hold it when engine is off.

[axemurderer101]

if you are really unsure maybe just get your battery load tested, also what did you use to see how charged it was? if you used a multimeter then that doesnt tell you how charged it is, you will need to use a hydrometer.

[hsv91ss]

I am not 100% sure, looked more like a multimeter to me though.

[axemurderer101]

yeah a multimeter wont accurately tell you how charged the battery is.

[hsv91ss]

K, think I will go down to a Mechanic tomorrow and have the problem pin pointed once and for all.

Thanks for the help guys.

[axemurderer101]

you would be better off going to an auto electrician

[RX25SE]

Check for a fried wire at the B+ (main wire to battery) terminal of the alternator. This messes with the charge rate.

Also make sure the nut on starter solenoid is tight. The one at the end of the main battery cable.

Both VERY common faults....


......assuming the battery is OK.

[hsv91ss]

thanks for the reply I will be sure to check them tomorrow.

[tk55]

hsv91ss, did you have the problem looked at yet? what was the cause?