Over the last couple of weeks I've been having charging problems on my P reg Mondeo TD. Used the car one morning - no problems. The same afternoon the battery was all but dead & I had to get a jump to get it started. Everything was working but the battery was dead. Splashed out on a new battery hoping that was the problem but the new battery also looses charge & I'm having to top it up with a charger every couple of days.
In looking for the problem I've tried to follow the instuctions in the Haynes manual. It suggests taking the Negative lead off the battery and testing for a current between the Negative Battery post and the disconnected Negative lead clamp. A current across the two when everything is off should indicate a problem.
When I do this I have a 12v current between the two. Also have 12v between the engine block and the Negative battery post. I've disconnected the alternator - still get 12v. I've taken out every fuse I can find - still 12v. I've taken the main lead off the starter motor
- still 12v and a live engine block.
The car is -ve earth.
Appart from the charging issue everything seems to be working fine. Only electrical issue is that the LCD display on the radio hasn't been working for a month or so. I don't think it's connected to the charging issue & the live block.
I'm assuming that, somewhere, I've got a short - but I'm confused because I'd expect a short to mess things up more.
If anyone has any idea where I should look for the cause of all my ills I'd be very very happy to give it a go. I'm completely baffled!!
Many thanks for any help in advance!!
Cheers Ian
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