Connor

As above,


My RST is off the road but I have been warming it up etc so not letting it sit.


Everytime I switch the car off the battery dies.


What usually happens is the car will idle then the idle starts to go lumpy and jumps onto 3 cylinders and cuts out.


When you start it again it winds over for a few seconds and fires up.


I always need to start it with jump leads.


Battery has 11v in it
When running its between 13.5 and 15v


Previous owners thinks the fuel pump is drawing too much current from the car.


Would this be true?


Thanks in advance.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

For starters you are doing more damage by running it rather than just leaving it to sit. Sounds like it's over rich and keep running it on cold start has sooted up the plugs?

ajamesc

Battery's fucked a fully charged 12v battery should have around 12.72 volts in it if I remember right! A 12v battery with only 12v's in it is in a state of discharge so 11 is no good! You need to fully charge it and see how it is then

Plus as stated just starting it and leaving it to idel will do it no good and fluff your plugs up it needs a good run

bigdel

If you're going to leave it sitting for any length of time, get yourself a battery conditioner, it keeps the battery topped up at its optimum voltage, and stops it getting to discharged which eventually will knacker the battery.
My 3dr sits in the garage over winter and it hasn't had a new battery for around 10 years. before i had the conditioner, i was buying a new one each spring.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

No, that is not correct!

The problem is a discharged battery, as said if you are leaving it for any amount of time, you really need a trickle charger (assuming you can power to it) otherwise, disconnect it, in addition to what has been stated above, it will also flatten the battery keep starting it.

Martin

Connor

I have been running it up the road aswell when its dry but won't be till the snow etc is gone.

Will get a trickle charger for it.

Why would it jump onto 3 cylinders and cut out on occasion when idling, can idle for ages then you just hear it turning lumpy then cuts out.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

Even so that's still not good, as it's always going to be running rich.

Have you checked the condition of the plugs?

Martin

Connor

It got new plugs in it 1 month ago when i serviced it.

I have a trickle charger coming today for it.

Also to add to this I notice when i press the electric window when the car is idling the rev counter jumps about like crazy.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

That sounds like either a bad earth, or lack of power.

Martin

Mr S1

iTrader: (2)

Battery has already been covered - get a conditioner.


Why are you running the car up and then putting it straight back in the garage ? Madness. All you're doing is building up condensation (inside and out) which then leaves everything wet. Either take it out properly for an hour and give it a proper run, or just leave it be. My S1 doesn't move for six months over the winter - not an inch. Parked in a CarCoon, no sudden temperature changes and the car stays bone dry. Start her up again in the spring when I take her out of the bubble.


Asking for trouble doing what you're doing mate.

Chopshop85

iTrader: (4)

Do you not get flat spots on your tyres?

bigdel

only at the bottom..

Mr S1

iTrader: (2)

Winter rims mate failing that just pump them up absolutely rock, rock hard.

Connor

Hi Lads,

Just to update, the car has been sitting and the battery is at 5.8v.

When the car is running the alternator is charging at 13.5 + constant.

Could the fuel pump be draining the battery even when the car is immobilized.

Anyway I'm picking up a battery today for it, and will test it over the next few weeks.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

No, the pump is not live when switched off.

If the car is sitting the battery will drain, due to parasitic draw, the alarm being the biggest consumer.

Have you had the charger connected?

Martin

Connor

Another query.

I did for a bit but the battery didn't go above 10v.

The RS is delocked and I have not been "arming" the alarm, nobody could steal the car anyways due to where it is just in case the battery dies completely.

Would this be keeping the fuel pump live?

I put a battery tester on the battery and its saying its "in bad state".

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

No, the pump is switched via ignition.

The battery will need to be fully charged, in order to test it.

Martin

ajamesc

You need to put the battery on then put an amp clamp around the negative lead and see what the drain is. If there is a drain pull fuses till it go's that will give you an idea where the drain is coming from.

Connor

Right will get it fully charged, its been in the car 5 years apparently.

Took the car a 40mile run last night even tho its off the road for winter, was flawless, forgot how much fun the car is.

Had it up on the ramp and cleaned all the underneath again and now its gone till summer