Hi,

Sorry if the topic has already been discussed (maybe I'm using the wrong terms) but it seems to me the RR is consuming battery when idle.
Here's what happened:
- Battery was flat (I thought it was dead since quite old (I suppose))
- Bought a new 100amps one
- 1 day after: gave some signs of weakness but started
- 2 days later: (yesterday) not starting at all just opening doors but not enough power to start the engine

I checked the voltage without the car started: 9,8v
I checked with engine started (with another car & cables): 13,5v
Stopped the engine after a 3 kms ride, rechecked the batt: 13,...v
=> conclusion: Battery ok, Alternator ok, electricity consumption somewhere.
If correct, how can it be identified (then fixed)?
Thanks!
---
Long story short, after many many tests & investigations, the faultive was the FSR... even if the tests showed it was ok.
So as someone told me in the thread, don't bother checking anything else, first change this Fu....G FSR

Last edited by Ibartsimp on 7th Nov 2013 10:48am. Edited 2 times in total

I note you say alternator ok but I would still check for current leakage through it first.
Lift bonnet of car and remove the thick red cable from jump stud on bulkhead.
Connect an ammeter lead to end of red cable removed and other ammeter lead to jump stud from which you removed cable.
The ammeter is now in series with alternator and will read any current leakage through it.
The ammeter should read zero.
If it reads zero, alternator is ok.
If not, new alternator needed.

Alternator NOT OK! should be @ 14.5 volts with engine running .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

yep, right, even if not clear I was more asking if my conclusion was ok
@nicedayforit engine stopped? Indicates 10,5v between the two green spots in the photo below


@joe90, I've rechecked, it's 13,5 when engine is running, 12 when not

Right, you have a voltmeter, but do you have an ammeter? This is what you need to look for a current drain. it needs to be connected in series with the positive battery cable, so one side to the battery +ve terminal and the other side to the battery +ve cable.

At rest (car locked with bonnet up) let the car go to sleep. this is when the handbrake light goes out. At this time the ammeter should show no more than 400 milliamps drain.

A word of caution. Ammeters go in series, so ALL the power being consumed goes through the meter. Don't try and start the car with the meter in circuit or you'll get quite a lot of expensive smoke.

Ok, does my voltmeter also convert to ammeter?

Click image to enlarge

Yes, the red cable goes in the left socket on the meter and you select the 10A scale. MAX 10 amps.

Sounds like a dodgy alternator but I would still check there is no drain before changing the alternator.

ok, will do tomorrow, thx a lot
(super responsiveness from dan reg temp sensor & co)

Sorry, but if you want to check for drain down through the alternator you need to connect the ammeter as I described above.
Connecting an ammeter to the battery terminal and the battery cable will indicate the TOTAL current drainage on the car.
As above select 10A initially on the Multimeter and then if the current reading is very low move the dial to 200m.

If I managed to do a current draw test - ANYONE can!!  2006 4.2 SC
2019 Renault Zoe Dynamique Nav

Yes, the issue with me is my english.
I'm not 100% sure to understand what the term " jump stud" designates. A photo indication ?

The "jump stud" is marked "2" on the photograph below.
Take off the nut and remove cable marked 1.
Connect one lead of ammeter to removed cable end and other ammeter lead to the threaded bolt you removed jump stud from.
With the ammeter leads connected as described by mzplcg and the dial set on 10A or 200m check the reading.

Don't worry about issue with your English, it's much better than my French.



Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated

Remember an alternator will put less volts into a fully charged battery than a flat one. One day your life will flash before your eyes......................................make sure yours is worth watching!

ok, thx, a lot, I'll do that tomorrow and let you know. I also have a dead door handle to handle since tonight... courage!

@ niceday, my ammeter only does 5A, will that be OK ? .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999