Important! : poor charging

1. K567 Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2012 Bradford/Leeds Posts: 775 03 R53 Mini Cooper S with a little extra going on

   #1 28th December 2012, 09:23

   None std loom full standalone loom
   Im running battery in boot, setup is as follows
   
   Battery to battery kill switch to distribution block to starter to alternator
   From the distribution box it also runs all other main power so engine fuse boxes and fuel pump relays and ecu power
   
   On the alternator i have 2 wires on the plug that go to battery light on dash
   Not sure if this right as it lights up when at idle but seeing 14v when driving its very dim but still on
   
   Battery lasts about 4 days and i have to charge it again
   
   Is it the way i have it wired up ?
   
   Im wondering if i should go kill switch to starter to alternator and then run a lead back to distribution box?
   
   Or is it the battery charge light exciter wiring
   Thanks
2. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #2 28th December 2012, 12:29

   From what I know mate,there should be 3 wires on the alternator connector.1 for the charge lamp 1 for power & lastly an earth wire.
3. user_39461 Super Moderator Joined: Nov 2009 Cambridge(ish), UK. Posts: 10581 BMW 5x M50d.

   #3 28th December 2012, 12:33

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by stevo67 From what I know mate,there should be 3 wires on the alternator connector.1 for the charge lamp 1 for power & lastly an earth wire.

   nah no earth on em.

   1 user thanked this post: user_20080
4. K567 Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2012 Bradford/Leeds Posts: 775 03 R53 Mini Cooper S with a little extra going on

   #4 28th December 2012, 14:34

   So my battery lamp uses both the wires is that right ?
5. user_62405 L-plater Joined: Nov 2012 Dalbeattie Posts: 80 Saxo VTR Diablo Red

   #5 29th December 2012, 00:32

   Why does nobody on here use a Multimeter ? ....
   
   If your battery does not keep a Charge then it is only one of two thing's*
   
   1) Your battery is F*%ked ....
   
   2) You've mucked about with the wiring of the Alternator.
   
   If in doubt watch the below vid.
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTGz0PKIl84
   
   OK. Change the Alternator.. But only as a last resort..
6. K567 Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2012 Bradford/Leeds Posts: 775 03 R53 Mini Cooper S with a little extra going on

   #6 29th December 2012, 14:26

   Hi thanks for advice use of multimeter and battery voltage display gave me the 14v readings i originally spoke of, as for wiring, i use standalone and a complete engine loom
   Again as described
   The alt exciter/battery lamp uses stock 2 pin plug with the circuit made via a battery light
   
   I'm curious if this is the same for stock wiring as well or is there a point in between that has an effect on charging
7. user_62405 L-plater Joined: Nov 2012 Dalbeattie Posts: 80 Saxo VTR Diablo Red

   #7 30th December 2012, 21:05

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by K567 Hi thanks for advice use of multimeter and battery voltage display gave me the 14v readings i originally spoke of

   Is this under load Ie; Every single electrical switch that can be turned on, that can be turned on. ( As it should read +.5V about standard Battery voltage. Or is it with nothing on ?. + Have you watched the vid ?. As this will give you everything to look out for on the charge circuit.