Help Needed Please Urgently

[littlefeller]

you need to eliminate the alternator, the way to do this is measure battery drain while the car is stationary, around 30ma is normal,(the speed yours is discharging it should be immediately obvious) more than this then you know there is a problem. if the drain is about correct then it is your alternator at fault (it has a diode that can cause a back current and prevent charging at the same time as draining the battery, test the battery drain before spending any money).
you need to leave the car switched off for 30 min before conducting the test.

 

[DavidM]

An auto electrician will resolve the issue in minutes.

 

[Tracy Dee]

Can't really afford another garage visit.

 

[littlefeller]

do you or could you get access/ borrow a multimeter?

 

[Tracy Dee]

No sorry wouldn't have a clue what to do with it anyway sorry.
Battery on charge again over night on car.

 

[littlefeller]

does anyone have a mutimeter (ac/dc) they could lend Tracy, if you can get one we can walk you through the tests you need to do, if you buy one, they dont have to be expensive, you can get them for less than £20- cheaper than replacing battery's, (needs to have a DC function though. most have both AC and DC this is good, but some cheap household ones are only AC).

 

[Tracy Dee]

The battery was checked it's fine or no drain.
When running the alternator is charging not like brand new 100 per cent but more like 95 per cent which Tony said is plenty enough.

 

[Tracy Dee]

The battery has been charged all night and the inline fused isolator has been put back on and the back up siren turned off with the key as it goes off when isolator is switched off.
Try this if it goes flat one more time it's gone my patience are done not reliable when I need it and no confidence in it.
Thank you for those of you that have come up with suggestions appreciated but as not mechanically minded I had hoped someone might have been able to get to the bottom of it.
Thanks anyway.
Tracy.

 

[smiffy]

I can't offer to lend either of my multimeters as I use them both on a daily basis, however, this one it £15 from Maplin will cover everything you need. DC volts and current.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/digital-multimeter-with-temperature-test-n73cg

in stock at Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead or online.
It is inevitable that if there is a fault, which we suspect there is, it WILL go flat again if it isn't identified and isolated/repaired. Unfortunately faults rarely fix themselves.

The offer is still open if you want to drive up to Lowestoft.

 

[Tracy Dee]

Hi @smiffy
Iam doing Beaulieu this Sunday assuming it starts we will charge battery to give it the best chance as said it's now got the isolator fitted back on so may work.

Thank you for such a kind offer of you taking a look at the problem it's obvious we will have to take up your very kind offer and drive to Lowestoft .
Obviously at your convenience.
Tracy.

 

[oldcarman]

There is probably nothing more frustrating to owners than an electrical fault gremlin. It involves extensive well coordinated search technique which I understand you don't possess. Take @ smiffy up on his offer and hopefully he can reveal the problem and you'll have a happy experience with your car again. It appears to be a nice example except for this frustrating problem. Let's hope Smiffy will ride to the rescue!! JIM

 

[Tracy Dee]

Thank you Jim.
Very frustrating indeed when I need it to go somewhere it's made me late for work on a couple of occasions having to make other arrangements.
Now everytime I get in it will it won't it start.
Yes I will except @smiffy very kind offer at his convenience.

 

[Tracy Dee]

Checking car over for Beaulieu tomorrow now with the inline isolator fitted I found the clock and radio have lost the codes my radio is a real pain to tune stations in as well last time took an hour to find 3 Stations.
Anyway why should it loose memory with an inline isolator?
My finding its blown the tiny little fuse this cars got a serious issue.
I will contact @smiffy after Beaulieu assuming the bloody thing starts tomorrow to make a date for you to look at it.
It really will be last chance saloon for this car.
On a happier note.
Hope to see you tomorrow.

 

[Axelf]

@Tracy Dee sell it and buy mine

 

[Tracy Dee]

If it can't be solved it will go end of the year not spending anymore money on it.

 

[DavidM]

An auto electrician will resolve the issue in minutes.

Why do think an auto electrician wouldn't be able to fix the problem in minutes?

 

[Tracy Dee]

Can t afford one

 

[oldcarman]

You definitely have a short and risk a fire every time you drive as shown by blowing fuses. Get it to @smiffy ASAP I'm sure once he starts poking into the wiring he'll be successful and you can keep your car. Electrics are the most frustrating for car owners and believe me you aren't alone. smiffy has offered please take him up on it! Good luck it may not be as bad as you expect!! JIM

 

[Tracy Dee]

Thank you Jim will do after Beaulieu I can put up with a lot of things but non starters when it's needed is one of the worse things.

 

[oldcarman]

I totally agree there's very few things worse than when you need to use your car all you get is nothing or clicking when you turn the key. Your problem may be minor or major but definitely needs looking at by someone with the knowledge to trouble shoot it. Smiffy sounds like your guy and I'm sure will be able to help! Would hate for you to get rid just because of this after all you've done. Nice part about the forum is the helping hands that are always extended and not just to collect money from you. Good luck, JIM