QUESTION
My Lotus Esprit turbo battery is discharging every 100kms.
Is there any testing I can carry out myself to find source of fault?
P.S. - Melbourne
ANSWER
If the battery is not being charged then you need to check if the alternator is putting out the correct voltage whilst under load.
The first simple check is to look very carefully and make sure the charging light on the dashboard does fully extinguish.
If the rectifier pack is faulty, then the charging light may not turn off fully.
During the day-time and with bright sunlight the charging light may appear to have turned off but in fact is only just glowing (and may go un-noticed)
The next step to make a more accurate diagnosis requires a digital volt meter.
The Esprit should be started and then the headlamps should be turned on to load the alternator and battery.
With the engine running, the voltage across the battery terminals should be approximately 14.2 volts.
If the reading is much below this figure then you most likely have a faulty alternator.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
My Lotus Esprit turbo battery is discharging every 100kms.
Is there any testing I can carry out myself to find source of fault?
P.S. - Melbourne
ANSWER
If the battery is not being charged then you need to check if the alternator is putting out the correct voltage whilst under load.
The first simple check is to look very carefully and make sure the charging light on the dashboard does fully extinguish.
If the rectifier pack is faulty, then the charging light may not turn off fully.
During the day-time and with bright sunlight the charging light may appear to have turned off but in fact is only just glowing (and may go un-noticed)
The next step to make a more accurate diagnosis requires a digital volt meter.
The Esprit should be started and then the headlamps should be turned on to load the alternator and battery.
With the engine running, the voltage across the battery terminals should be approximately 14.2 volts.
If the reading is much below this figure then you most likely have a faulty alternator.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques