Forum:
hi everyone,
i have a 1983 F-50 2.5D
on which i also have a charging problem...
the alternator has been replaced and the battery is new but i still have to put the battery on charge at least once a month depending on how many lights / wipers i have used.
can anyone offer any insight or point out anything specific to test to help me find the problem?
i am also looking for a 5 speed box for it as it currently has a 4 speed one on which was useful for pulling trailers but now i could do with the extra gear.
many thanks
Current Affairs
Sounds like a slow current leak somewhere, or an accessory is draining the battery over a period of time, some alarms are notorious for the high current they use.
Basic checks which can be done are:
Disconnect the battery, if it still goes flat it is an internal discharge in the battery, not common, but not unknown with new batteries.
If the wiring is alternator, starter, battery; check the starter motor, sometines the solonoid is sticky and does not return properly, this draws a little current, enough to drain the battery overnight.
Disconnect the battery positive lead and connect a multimeter with current reading in line, with nothing switched on it should read less that 0.1 amps, anymore and there will be a problem. Fully charge the battery and reconnect it to the vehicle, connect the multimeter in line on current reading; remove one fuse at a time, if the current suddenly drops you have identified which circuit it is. Find out what that fuse circuit is and trace out to each individual component.
It is a long winded process, and a process of elimination.
Current affairs
many thanks to all who replied,
i shall investigate the problem with my electrician friend this week.
many many thanks
~ Jonno on Skye
~ Jonno on Skye
Discharging Problem
As well as the points raised by assasin check the earth strap for rust or corrosion where it is connected to the body shell as this can drain a battery and give poor charging. If necessary resitethe connector in good solid metal. You should also check any engine to body strap if one exists on the vehicle.
OLDMINIMAN
M J Young