Battery/Alternator or something else...how to tell?

cymatty · 14 Dec 2009 at 13:51

Are there any chargers you can buy that you can use in the house, as I now live on the first floor and my car is a good few hundred yards away.

Clarkey · 14 Dec 2009 at 13:54

Can't see why you wouldn't be able to use any charger indoors. My only advice would be to put it next to a window that's open a bit because there will be a small amount of dangerous fumes given off while charging.

cymatty · 14 Dec 2009 at 13:56

Clarkey said:
Can't see why you wouldn't be able to use any charger indoors. My only advice would be to put it next to a window that's open a bit because there will be a small amount of dangerous fumes given off while charging.

I have a balcony it could sit on that is covered. That would be ok, if it was raining i could leave it near an open window.

Do I need something like

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_210939_langId_-1_categoryId_165629

or

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_210983_langId_-1_categoryId_165629

agw_01 · 14 Dec 2009 at 14:16

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_210983_langId_-1_categoryId_165629

That's the one I have. I've used it a few times and can't fault it at all.

GeX · 14 Dec 2009 at 14:24

Normal car batteries don't like being deep cycled, I'd just replace it instead of faffing with getting a charger. Then look at what drained the battery in the first place, or give the car to me and il make sure it gets driven enough

cymatty · 14 Dec 2009 at 14:25

GeX said:
Or give the car to me and il make sure it gets driven enough

Seems a good idea, shall I drop it off of Friday?

miniyazz · 14 Dec 2009 at 14:36

cymatty said:
Thats good was worried as a new alty is over £200.

Really?

Thought they were more like £40! They're not too hard to fit on most cars either.

murkygrom said:
Almost certainly time for a new battery - you're lucky you don't have a UK GT Four as it would have fried the alarm system as well. Cost me £350 to replace the battery and the entire alarm system when mine died.

How incredibly retarded

Clarkey said:
Can't see why you wouldn't be able to use any charger indoors. My only advice would be to put it next to a window that's open a bit because there will be a small amount of dangerous fumes given off while charging.

I thought that was only if you 'speedcharged' it?

GeX · 14 Dec 2009 at 16:13

cymatty said:
Seems a good idea, shall I drop it off of Friday?

Perfect, i'll see you then!

Gadge · 14 Dec 2009 at 16:22

have you got a multimeter? Measure the battery voltage then turn engine on measure the battery voltage. Without engine running it maybe around 12v and with engine running, about 14v. Then rev the engine slightly to 3000rpm and the voltage should increase slightly to 14.7v. If it does, your alternator is fine.

cymatty · 14 Dec 2009 at 19:17

Gadge said:
have you got a multimeter? Measure the battery voltage then turn engine on measure the battery voltage. Without engine running it maybe around 12v and with engine running, about 14v. Then rev the engine slightly to 3000rpm and the voltage should increase slightly to 14.7v. If it does, your alternator is fine.

Don't have a multimeter unfortunately dont want to go out and try it incase it starts as there is not enough fuel to take it for a 10 mile drive I don't think. I will just have to bite the bullet and buy a battery.