1999 V70T5M56 Elizabeth Voltage Bus problem [Old battery on last legs] Topic is solved

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jul 2020, 15:57

Okay, just for those still playing at home.

I left the taillights on for 15 minutes wiring trailers, and the whole car was dead.

So this battery is down to about 2 Amp hours reserve capacity, yet still starts the car.

Post by **scot850** » 05 Jul 2020, 16:57

When I changed the 'R's battery last year it was already cold. Temp was around -20C. I had not being using the car much and knew the battery was passed it's best, although disappointed as it was less than 5 years old. It was regularly on a trickle charger but had a week cell for a long time. This was ok when in warmer temperatures >10C, car would start and run fine. But as soon as it got cold, the car would run rough and lumpy. Only cure was a new one. Interstate high crank battery and about $180 CDN.

Now just have to use the car more to keep it exercised. The 'boss' has offered to use it regularly as it fits her golf clubs better in the back than her Kia Sportage does!

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 05 Jul 2020, 16:58

Meant to add, hopefully it is just the battery on it's last legs.............!

Neil.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 05 Jul 2020, 18:19

Unlike most things, when batteries get weak they go faster.

volvolugnut

Post by **Roger_850T** » 05 Jul 2020, 21:47

What voltage do you see on it when the car is running? At the battery terminals, as well as at the alternator output lug? I have had high resistance in the battery cables cause it to not charge as well as it might, with similar symptoms to what you describe. Fixing the cables, I ran the battery for another year or two because I fixed the root problem.

Post by **Clemens** » 05 Jul 2020, 23:55

abscate wrote: ↑05 Jul 2020, 15:57 Okay, just for those still playing at home.

I left the taillights on for 15 minutes wiring trailers, and the whole car was dead.

So this battery is down to about 2 Amp hours reserve capacity, yet still starts the car.

Interesting! I am experiencing the same thing with my VW T4. Repeated starts don't matter (which usually should drain a battery good on a diesel) but leave the parking lights running for 2 hours and I have to use it's second battery to jump start it.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 11 Jul 2020, 19:22

I wonder how much longer that alternator is going to live... Might go nuclear like mine did...

Post by **abscate** » 12 Jul 2020, 10:33

Alternator is pretty new. I’ll top it off on charger but if I can’t keep it above 25% charge it has to go. My 90 year old mother drives the T5 on occasion , of course, if it won’t start she would probably get out and push it. She used to get home from night school in Buffalo by starting her 6 V VW with her purse strap used like a lawn mower starter. That was back before she was self-sufficient.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 12 Jul 2020, 11:23

abscate wrote: ↑12 Jul 2020, 10:33 Alternator is pretty new. I’ll top it off on charger but if I can’t keep it above 25% charge it has to go. My 90 year old mother drives the T5 on occasion , of course, if it won’t start she would probably get out and push it. She used to get home from night school in Buffalo by starting her 6 V VW with her purse strap used like a lawn mower starter. That was back before she was self-sufficient.

An incredible woman on any day =)

Post by **abscate** » 26 Jul 2020, 04:54

Hard crash on the old battery. Car sat for one day and no crank.

Replaced with my spare boat battery from 2015 for now

Got 7 years out of this one!

1999 V70T5M56 Elizabeth Voltage Bus problem [Old battery on last legs] Topic is solved

Re: 1999 V70T5M56 Elizabeth Voltage Bus problem [Old battery on last legs]