Battery dash warning visit workshop

[Dickster]

Hi there,

I have owned my car for 15 months and this warning has always appeared when I start the car. It does not reappear whilst driving so I have lived with it.

I fitted the relay 57 initially but that hasn’t sorted the issue - although that and terminal 61 are mentioned when I run a scan for fault codes.

The car is on trickle charge all the time. A couple of days ago I disconnected the charger and let the car sit for 24 hours. When I check ed the voltage both batteries were 12.7v. I started the engine and both batteries indicated 14+ v. So everything seems to be in order.

The roof is sluggish sometimes - sometimes it goes up and down in 20 secs, sometimes is reluctant to move at all. I put it down to a weak battery but now not so sure.

Why does the warning keep appearing?

 

[markjay]

Proposals:

1. Replace the battery anyway.

2. Get the car scanned with STAR for fault codes.

 

[Dickster]

I had it scanned when I bought the car and was advised to change the relay.

I don't mind buying new batteries, IF I know it will cure the issue.

Perhaps the batteries need load testing?

 

[markjay]

Perhaps the batteries need load testing?

This will be a good step to take.

 

[Dickster]

Yes, I agree, its about time I bought a battery tester. Can anyone recommend a good (cheapish) one, with conductive testing ability?

Thanks

 

[artyman]

If the battery warning keeps appearing I would look at the alternator.

 

[190]

Your rested voltage of 12.7 volts is spot on for a standard battery but low if it happens to be an AGM.

First thing I would check is the battery terminals are tight then a do a load test. I'm not a great fan of permanently connected trickle chargers unless I'm very confident that the voltage is low enough as an incorrect voltage can damage a battery. I prefer to charge once a week if the car is not in use.

 

[Dickster]

Is there anyway that the batteries can be linked? I.e. when I test the rear I am getting a reading from the front battery? I guess not but want to be sure. Would it be better to disconnect the batteries to test them?

Not sure about the alternator, seems to be charging well. And I'd rather be certain before parting with cash.

 

[markjay]

Battery Drop Tester 6/12V | BT91/7 | 1 Year Guarantee | Sealey

American-style drop tester. Load applied by internal switchgear - no sparking! Suitable for 6 and 12V batteries. Applies load across cells and measures output on meter.

www.sealey.co.uk

12V Battery Drop Tester | BT91/3 | 1 Year Guarantee | Sealey

Accurate voltage and short circuit testing -Traditional style battery drop tester for all 12V automotive batteries. Applies load across cells to measure output.

www.sealey.co.uk

 

[Dickster]

Thanks for the links.

I like the electronic versions like this?

KZYEE KS21 Auto Battery Tester, 12V CCA Car Battery Load Tester Digital Analyzer for Vehicle Battery Health,Cranking and Charging System: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike

Buy KZYEE KS21 Auto Battery Tester, 12V CCA Car Battery Load Tester Digital Analyzer for Vehicle Battery Health, Cranking and Charging System at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

It has good reviews at least

 

[Deleted member 149005]

I had it scanned when I bought the car and was advised to change the relay.

I don't mind buying new batteries, IF I know it will cure the issue.

Perhaps the batteries need load testing?

have you changed the relay?

 

[Dickster]

Yep, practically year ago. It made no difference at all.

 

[Dickster]

I get very rare days when the warning doesn’t appear and then the next day it’s back.

 

[Dickster]

Battery checker arrived today and both batteries tested fine, 100%. Good news, bad news!

I checked the roof pump and the fluid level is fine, on the top arrow.

So what’s causing the battery warning and slow roof ?

The code suggested relay 57 or terminal 61, what is terminal 61 exactly? Perhaps the new relay isn’t working?

 

[Dickster]

Could the alternator be faulty even though it’s charging fine?

 

[pmcgsmurf]

How old are the batteries?

 

[John N]

Anything running "Sluggish" to me hints at a Bad Earth!

Though I must admit I haven't got a Degree in " Wiggly Amps

 

[Jigglyjohnson]

I had it scanned when I bought the car and was advised to change the relay.

I don't mind buying new batteries, IF I know it will cure the issue.

Perhaps the batteries need load testing?

Get your battery tested and replaced or recharge as NEC
What relay ??

 

[Jigglyjohnson]

Take it you have an sl 230 model so 2 batteries
One under the bonnet is a starter battery only and the one in the back is a consumer battery lights wipers radio seats etc . What does the battery warning say on the dash ?

 

[Dickster]

How old are the batteries?

No idea came with the car but have tested fine