Hello,

My car battery (lucas 12V, new) seems to sit at ~12V or below, whereas every other car battery sits at 12.5 - 12.8V. The haynes says 124+ = good charge, anything below needs charging.

I'm trying to figure out why it doesn't keep charge, as its a new battery! The alternator works as it shoots up to 14V when the engine's on!

Should i clean the battery earth/ground connections or something?

Any advice appreciated as i dont want another battery dieing!

thanks

 

ive disconnected the -ve from the car and the battery maintains it's voltage.. as soon as i connect it to the car, it starts to drop!!

checked all the earths i can find, seem ok ....

 

seems as if it is my neon/cold cathodes in the footwells drawing lots from the battery