Tdi Slow To Start..... Battery Or Alternator?

[u664541]

Hi everyone and a Happy New Year tomorrow to all.

 

I returned from a 10 day holiday yesterday and the Galaxy was very slow to turn over (in fact it didn't in the end), and needed a jump start. Now this wasn't a complete surprise to me as it was doing the same on the day I left.

I've checked the battery this morning, reading 12.5 volts before starting. Again it struggled a bit but fired up..... Volt meter now reading 14+ volts. I turned the lights and heater on and it's holding steady 14+ still.

I ran it for 5 or so minutes and noticed the meter reading climbing still up to 16 volts. Is this correct? I checked YouTube for battery/alternator issues and a guy saying that the alternator could overcharge the battery causing damage.

 

The battery is less than 2 years old (receipt lost).

 

Any help appreciated.

[SilverBeast]

First check your battery junction box isn't overheating. Is under the battery cover with the red lead from the battery going into it. The top lead on the right is from the alternator. Open the cover of the box and check there is no heat damage or melting. Search forum for details if unsure or it is damaged.

[u664541]

Thanks, but it turns out it was just a dead battery........ Eventually found the receipt and it was over 4 years old :)

Also the replacement battery I purchased was approx 1/3 bigger than the one coming out so it was probably struggling for ages.

[xavier]

Useful to know. My battery struggled last winter, however I bought I decent battery charger and give it a good charge, made the world of difference.