Odyssey Battery

[new2 7s]

I recently installed a new Facet electronic fuel pump, the pump may not be grounded correctly.... would that cause a drain on my electrical system when the motor is running?

[slngsht]

No. If something is not grounded right, it won't be able to function properly because current can't get through, so it wouldn't be a "drain" on the system. If any one component was drawing enough current to draw down your battery while the car is running with a good alternator, you'd blow a fuse.

 

If your alternator is OK, make sure you check the connections to it, both the main battery connection, and the signal wire.

[new2 7s]

I checked my alternator connection, the stud on the back is loose and wont stay firmly tightened.

Also, I checked the voltage today at the battery and the alternator.

The battery was showing about 12.6 while running and the alternator was about about the same level, about 12.2 or 4

The volt meter I purchased is an analog type and it instruction say a possible +/- 5%

Do the numbers sound like the alternator is bad?

[slngsht]

Yes, you should be well above 12 volts... closer to 14, if not slightly above 14.

[slngsht]

Is the stud for the main battery connection at the back of the alternator? Perhaps that's the problem.

[slomove]

Does not look right....If anything the alternator voltage should be a tad higher than the battery when running (over 1500 rpm) and anyway 13.5-14.5 volts (no significant load). A lose stud does not sound promising, too

 

Do you have an alternator light and does it go out when running?

 

The whole thing depends on the style of alternator, i.e. 1-wire (rare), 3-wire or 4-wire. but in any case the voltage is low.

 

If you run out of ideas you may want to take it to an alternator shop for a check-up.

 

Gert

[new2 7s]

Thanks, I pulled the alternator off the motor, the stud broke off as I was starting the removal of the wire.... I have a single wire alternator.... and whats left of the stud wobbles around a little bit (approx 1/16 of an inch of wobble) and doesnt tighten.

I'm going to take it to the shop in the morning to have it tested and see if it can be fixed....

[new2 7s]

Just got my alternator back from the shop, reinstalled it and so far it appears the battery problem was an alternator problem.... I'm going to take my car for a short drive and see if the battery retains it's starting power.

 

Thanks for all the help.

 

Scott

[slngsht]

Sounds like a good excuse for a nice drive

 

Enjoy

 

:cheers: