BMW 3 Series alternator not charging battery
Variant: 1.8ise
Model Year: 1996
Categories:
Electrics, ECU, Warnings & Lights
Approximately 2 weeks ago I purchased a new battery as I had to put my old one on charge in order to get my car started - there was also a residue of dry battery acid around the terminals.Now I find after approximately 2 days the new battery is completely drained and flat, and I have to put it on charge yet again.Is my alternator at fault?
Posted: Nov 12, 2009 (14 years ago)
Easy to check output with meter , 2 min job.
Posted Nov 12, 2009 (14 years ago)
Does your battery warning light work ok and go off completely when you start the engine? if so then perhaps not the alternator, start the car and put a volt meter across the battery and take a reading, it could be any where from 13 to 14 volts, try again with the lights on you should get a similar reading if thats ok then its charging ok and prob not the alternator. you really need to check this first before you move on. cheers
Posted Nov 12, 2009 (14 years ago)
If battery output ok , then you will have to check for electrical drain on system.
Posted Nov 12, 2009 (14 years ago)
If not sure how to check ,here is a walkthrough with pictures
http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_alternator.htm
http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_alternator.htm
Posted Nov 12, 2009 (14 years ago)
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