Rough Idle and Problem Starting
Every now and again my sv6 has problem starting. Takes a while to crank over and then it runs rough for a few seconds. Other times it does not miss a beat. Changed the spark plugs and fuel filter but still have the same problem.. Any Sugestions.
Last edited by wassaby; 18-05-2010 at 11:09 AM.
CHE Tuned 156.8rwkw
Have u checked the battery, also wat fuel do u use?
The Blue One
Originally Posted by buddaboy1990
normal unleaded. So could be the battery. The light does stay on a few seconds after starting the car.
CHE Tuned 156.8rwkw
Well if the engine is taking a while to turn over then most likely the batts on its last legs.
The Blue One
How many years old is your battery? Life can be anywhere from 2-5 years depending on usage and battery.
Hold MODE and SET before you turn on the car. Turn to ON. Let go of buttons.
Before you start the engine, press MODE untl you get to Battery Volts.
What does it read? (~12.4 - 12.8)
Start the engine, but watch how low the volts drops when you do. (~11)
Watch how long it takes for the volts to get back up to 14.0-14.4 (~ few seconds).
Check the volts is about 14.0-14.4 while idling.
Last edited by FnomnaVZ; 18-05-2010 at 07:20 PM.
now : 05 VZ Berlina V6
had : 97 VT Berlina V6
before : 81 VH SL/E I6
Mine was the same until replaced my battery recently.
very interesting will check that thanks.
Check the volt meter and it said around 12.5 v to start with then jump to 9 v when starting and then up to 14.5 - 14.3 while on. Is the 9 volt normal to drop down so far or is the battery on the way out you reckon.
learn something new everyday. cheers for that, will definately come in handy.
Roll Cage Territory
Very good information regarding getting into the computer to read volts. This method is only a guide though.
There are that many places that provide free battery checks these days its not funny. Drop into one of these places and a 2 minute battery test with their battery load tester will be a more accurate indication, but good to check volts just for your own reference through computer. Well done.
Just having a quick look at the info around, it seems 9V is about as low as you want to get before the battery's on the way out.
Battery maintenance and testing
I only looked into this stuff recently because mine went flat once when I left the ignition and interior fan on while I was doing stuff. Used a charger to get it working again, but it died a week later. I noticed the voltage was dropping low when cranking. About 9-10V I think.
Aparently Calcium batteries (speced for recent commodores) really need 14.7V to charge fully, which the alternator doesn't do. Add that normal chargers don't either and if you do short trips, then the battery's not living a full life.
Easiest way to test would be to swap batteries with someone just to test the difference when you start it up.
The other option is to try and leave the battery on a charger to full charge. Try and use a multi-stage (at least 2) charger.
Since I changed batteries, I've got an Ozcharge 2/4/8A charger with Calcium mode which I'll use on our cars once in a while to keep them up.
Even the new RAA changeover battery (with Calcium) wasn't fully charged and took a couple of hours to top off.
now : 05 VZ Berlina V6
had : 97 VT Berlina V6
before : 81 VH SL/E I6
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