NA6 Power Fading Problem

Binks · Postby **Binks** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 3:44 pm

The problem started only after i put a semi damp space saver in my boot before my trip to Winton on Sunday, never happened before putting the space saver in. I have dríven the car to Winton before no worries.

When I drive my car after around 20k the dash lights starts to fade off, headlight will slowly fade as well. Last night driving home from Garage Cafe everything faded out and the rev needle stopped working as well. The car wont turn on till after around 20 minutes of leaving it off.

So possible problems

- Spliced wires in the boot shorting out when i try starting the car.
- Ignition leads definitely needs to be changed.
- Alternator not charging the battery

TonyMax · Postby **TonyMax** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 4:10 pm

Space saver goes right near the battery, check that the earth strap for the battery is still earthing and other things. Shouldn't have anything to do with ignition leads. Run a multimeter over the cables in the boot. Pull out the space saver and all the carpet and make sure everything is happy with the battery and its cabling.

Not having done anything electrical to a car with the battery in the boot I can't say exactly what you'd be looking for but mostly there's an earth that goes to the negative terminal (either body or engine block) and the main positive battery terminal cable is usually hooked up to the starter motor with another smaller wire running off somewhere for the ignition/ancillaries.

I'd say you've bumped something putting the spare back in.

It could also be the alternator but I would say the reason it is not charging is more because you've disturbed something in the boot.

If you run the car at idle with no lights on and put a multimeter on the terminals it should be 13.8-14.2V, if it's not, and keeps dropping with time you are not charging the battery.

The break of not running lets the battery recharge itself somewhat, but this will only end in tears if you keep cycling it like that.

Dweezle · Postby **Dweezle** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 4:11 pm

Definetely battery/alternator related i would say.
I would check the alternator belt tension.
Start the car and stick a multimetre on the battery and make sure it is getting correct voltage. Check this with high revs too. Prob need 2 people for that one.
Mine did a similar thing. Was alternator belt slipping under load.

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Pamex · Postby **Pamex** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 4:26 pm

Check the terminals on your battery are nice and tight. If they're loose it can mean the battery doesn't get to recharge properly. With age they do loosen.

I had similar problems which had two causes. Crap battery (Odyssey) and loose terminals so it wasn't fully re-charging. I just picked up some new terminals from Bursons for a total fee of $6, cut the old ones off and installed the new ones. No problems since.

Whilst you're there, check there's no corrosion on the battery cables as well.

Binks · Postby **Binks** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 4:57 pm

Seems like it might be the battery. I gave Allmaz an email and they said it might be a faulty battery, i checked my battery and everything seems clamped down