alternator issues or battery??

[tommyboy08]

gday i hav been havin trouble with my car (vu ss II ute) i thought it was just a flat battery but i charged it and it improved short term but i was thinking it might be the alternator not charging the battery, is there any way i can diagnose it without going to a mechanic.
thanks
tb

[rocket0000]

simple just run a check with a multimeter while engine is idling you MUST see a reading between 13.6 to 14.2... other than that like 12.5 bye bye...
new one cost roughly around 200 to 350$.

[lout]

first measure voltage without engine running should be 12v to 13v
if below 12v charge battery
then measure the voltage with the engine running should be 13.8v to 14.3v
turn highbeam, aircond, high speed fan, demister and anything else you can think of that uses electricity. should not drop below 13.3v
preferably measure with a multi-meter but if you don't have access to one use the display diagnostic (page 4)
VT-VX Hidden Trip Computer

[PRAVX II S]

Use a multimeter and check the charging of the alternator should be between 13-14 volts.
After that load test it. (with the lights on and other electrical stuff on) The voltage should stay in between 13-14 volts.

It also could be a leak in your car. A leak is when your car sits over night in the garage and in the morning you go to start it and it wont start because something is draining the battery. To check this put you multimeter in amp mode and put it in series of the battery terminal positive if there is a high reading then there is a leak.

[tommyboy08]

excellent help, thanks alot every1, i will report back to you once i have given it a test

[Rhin0o8]

Ive had this problem also ...

Used the trip computer and it reads about 12.5V while the car is running and everything turnt on .

Ive had the Brushes replaced in the Altn. ... still running low V's.. does this mean i need a NEW alternator ?

[PRAVX II S]

Ive had this problem also ...

Used the trip computer and it reads about 12.5V while the car is running and everything turnt on .

Ive had the Brushes replaced in the Altn. ... still running low V's.. does this mean i need a NEW alternator ?

Does the battery warning light come on? If the voltage is still under 13 volts change the alternator.
Also check the main power cable from the battery to the alternator see if the connection are tight and not dirty at the alternator.

[Rhin0o8]

Does the battery warning light come on? If the voltage is still under 13 volts change the alternator.
Also check the main power cable from the battery to the alternator see if the connection are tight and not dirty at the alternator.

the battery light "flickers" and doesnt come on solid and stay on
this happens generally at idle .. on startup and sitting at traffic lights . once i get to driving it flickers and then goes off .

Ill check the main cable, like you said it may be dirty or loose connections
Cheers

[KristyB]

The last few months every once and awhile when i started my car (VT auto executive wagon) it would kind of wind over slowly and i thought oh ok the battery is on it way out, so yesterday Kids in car was picking up somethings went back out to leave and it was clicking, so the Guy in the shop came out and jump started me, all was good stopped and went here and there, came home and my battery was still under warranty, popped down there they replaced it with a new battery all was sweet.....lol until this morning went out to go into town and even the accessories wont work and all i can hear is a clicking noise. I have viewed a few post here and there on the forum and it sounds like it could be either the alternator or the starter motor? i know its not the battery so thats ruled out.

[BlackVXGTS]

the battery light "flickers" and doesnt come on solid and stay on
this happens generally at idle .. on startup and sitting at traffic lights . once i get to driving it flickers and then goes off .
Cheers

Sounds like you need to replace the voltage regulator as the bushes are probably worn. Cheap and quick fix.