hi. Car is a 306 Turbo diesel P reg. Yesterday I noticed that the battery warning light was off when I turned the ignition, and its stayed off ever since except for the occasional stuttering dim glow.
- Have taken voltage of the battery on its own = 12.45 volts (sounds OK). Same voltage is found the alternator - so I'm guessing no bad earths.
- When car started voltage of battery drops to about 11.5 volts and will climb very slowly if nothing is switched on (otherwise it goes down steadily)
- Voltage across the points at the alternator is 4.5v and climbs to 5 if engine is accelerating. But it doesnt seem to make much difference to the battery being charged faster.
- When you switch the car off again the battery is at 12.2 volts and then climbs steadily until its 12.45 volts again (!)
I've checked the general cables coming from the battery (including cleaning the earth cable) but it hasnt made any difference.
What do you think is shot : is it the alternator or the battery? thanks