Urgent assistance please

Post Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:49 pm

Hi guys

Got a problem that I need to rectify asap

Car is a 320i cabriolet 1988

Car started fine but battery and hand brake light have a soft glow on the dash while the engine is running

After a while the revs die and she cuts out .

Then try to restart and it doesn't . Almost like there isn't enough juice in the battery

Stick a jump pack on and it starts

I took the battery off and got it tested and it came back it was ok but not 100%.

Any ideas guys ?

Post Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:00 pm

It's not charging when it's running. Have a good read of this page.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Charging

Post Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:20 pm

Cheers will look at this

Post Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:35 pm

Revving the cat? Is this some kind of Polish euphanism?

Post Fri Mar 13, 2015 10:23 pm

Sounds like it could be the regulator (not resistor!) pack on the alternator.
See the second paragraph in "Not charging" in Grrrr's wiki link above.

Post Fri Mar 13, 2015 11:25 pm

Hi

I checked it out and it's the battery . It's showing 12v but the amps are not there I.e meant to be 510 but after 1hr running only goes to 381.
Will get a replacement battery asap

Cheers guys

Post Sat Mar 14, 2015 5:44 am

I'm not convinced. When running, the alternator should still be kicking out 13.7V-14.4V, which is enough to make the red battery light go out. If that light is still glowing, then it's not the battery's fault.

Post Sat Mar 14, 2015 10:05 am

Brianmoooore wrote:Sounds like it could be the regulator (not resistor!) pack on the alternator.
See the second paragraph in "Not charging" in Grrrr's wiki link above.