[bape000]

When I switch the car on I get the battery warning light now. I would like to know how best to diagnose this? So far I have accessed the hidden menu and noted that the battery voltage while the car is switched on is 11.2V and while the car is running/driving - the voltage sits around 14.3V.

What steps can I carry out next to determine if it's a fault battery, alternator or alternator voltage regulator?

[Rich_D]

If your battery is 11.2V when the engine is not running, it sounds like you need a new battery, how old is it?

[bape000]

Originally Posted by Rich_D

If your battery is 11.2V when the engine is not running, it sounds like you need a new battery, how old is it?

I'd probably say the age of the car. It's an 08 plate!

[Rich_D]

Originally Posted by bape000

I'd probably say the age of the car. It's an 08 plate!

As the weather gets colder it will get worse, so I would look to get a new battery fitted. It will need coding though.

[bape000]

Originally Posted by Rich_D

As the weather gets colder it will get worse, so I would look to get a new battery fitted. It will need coding though.

Thanks. Just had a look and will go for a VARTA battery. Will put my INPA to use and attempt to code it!

[Rich_D]

Make sure you let the car go to sleep before unplugging the battery so you don't fry the FRM, if it's an FRM3 they're pretty fragile and don't like low voltage.

Basically close the doors but keep the boot open, leave the car for 15 mins and then you can disconnect the battery.

[bape000]

Originally Posted by Rich_D

Make sure you let the car go to sleep before unplugging the battery so you don't fry the FRM, if it's an FRM3 they're pretty fragile and don't like low voltage.

Basically close the doors but keep the boot open, leave the car for 15 mins and then you can disconnect the battery.

i never knew this! thanks

[bape000]

Originally Posted by Rich_D

Make sure you let the car go to sleep before unplugging the battery so you don't fry the FRM, if it's an FRM3 they're pretty fragile and don't like low voltage.

Basically close the doors but keep the boot open, leave the car for 15 mins and then you can disconnect the battery.

How would i know/confirm that the car is 'asleep' ?

[Rich_D]

Originally Posted by bape000

How would i know/confirm that the car is 'asleep' ?

It does make some click noises as it shuts down and if you have an auto model the lights on the gear selector will go off.