3rd battery in 2 years

[davetwr1]

has anybody else had a problem with the alternator not charging the battery i have been told that it is common on 03/04 scoobys its the ecu not telling the alternator to kick in andy at scoobyclinic as told me to drive with the side lights on up to now it is working

[Chris 280]

yep,drive with side lights on,or get a battery manager

[Matty WR1]

isn't it something to do with the fact that the ecu doesn't allow the alternator to kick any charge out until the engine is at running temperature?

what make of battery have you got fitted? mine still has the original, but i think i'll get it changed before winter...

[davetwr1]

the make of battery is a acdelco the first battery lasted five years with no problems

[CAVEMAN]

its to do with the alternator not charging the battery unless it see's plenty of draw on it.

lights, window wipers etc will kick it in and you'll have a full charge for next time.

[Megaman]

Short journeys are a killer for scoob batteries, you need to be doing 20mins + per journey really to keep them topped up.

[SteveS]

its to do with the alternator not charging the battery unless it see's plenty of draw on it.

lights, window wipers etc will kick it in and you'll have a full charge for next time.

This has to be a good case for using Nanolex premium glass sealant as Clark says, especially in this neck of the woods. The wipers take a great deal of amps out of the battery.

[CAVEMAN]

I was meaning to put the wipers on as this will kick the alternator into action and actually charge the battery.

running around with no draw on the system will eventually kill it

[Clark]

Just get a battery conditioner? Mine was about £40 and the 2 previous owners did the same hence why my car's still on it's original battery.

[Loco2527]

I drive around with dipped beams on all the time anyway - the lights automatically go off when you switch off the ignition, and it looks cool with the lights on in the day - therefore, it makes me even cooler than normal...

[CAVEMAN]

have to do the same up here by law....keeps the battery topped up nicely.

[Megaman]

I drive around with dipped beams on all the time anyway - the lights automatically go off when you switch off the ignition, and it looks cool with the lights on in the day - therefore, it makes me even cooler than normal...

Didnt know you could get any cooler mate!