Unexpected battery issues!?

[bjasch94]

Hi all,

For the last couple of days of my holiday I've noticed the car starting kind of sluggishly. Not really badly, just not energetically like it normally would. I thought maybe it was the colder weather here in Vic at first.

Anyway, this afternoon (after about 4 hours of driving already today) I started the car to find the red battery warning lamp on. It stayed on for the next 30mins of driving (the whole drive). As a test, immediately after turning it off I turned it back on again and noted that the light didn't come on like it had only 30min earlier.

After turning it back off again i checked the voltage of the battery and it was at 10.7V, which is quite low if I'm not mistaken. I monitored the voltage as i got my wife to start it again and it instantly jumped up around 13.5V and was steadily rising which puzzles me because that means it was charging, at least in that moment.

I only have a solar panel with me for charging and so I've disconnected it for the night. I will charge it from first light before starting her tomorrow but I'm worried about what's to come. I'm 2500km from my home mechanic and still have over half a holiday left.

I'm the 2nd owner, the first guy towed a van sometimes I assume since it has a brake controller and an anderson plug on the back. I got it with 96k on it and it now has 113k. I've never towed with it but it does have a dual battery system with a VSR installed. I think the cut in voltage is 14V and the cut out is 12.7V.

It's a 2012 3.0L and as far as I know it's still on its 1st battery

A little bit of reading has told that this is probably a failing alternator but id like to hear everyone's opinion. Also, if required, the name of a trusted independent mechanic in Melbourne would be appreciated - I'll be there for the next two days.

Sorry for the long post. Just trying to get all the info out in one hit.

Cheers,
Brad.

[Tombie]

5 years on the first battery is an extremely good run.

The voltage at start up shows it’s charging (or trying to) your now faulty battery.

Find a new battery tomorrow

[bjasch94]

5 years on the first battery is an extremely good run.

The voltage at start up shows it’s charging (or trying to) your now faulty battery.

Find a new battery tomorrow

I hope you're right. Does this explain why it stayed on for 30mins while I was driving though?

[mikeford]

Get a new battery ASAP. Be happy you got a warning, mine just died, only managed to unlock the car, when tested had 7.8volts. Four and a half years old, cost $440 and 2 hours sitting in a shopping centre carpark in 40c temperature.

[Tombie]

Yes it would. If the battery is failing it’s likely a cell is dropping.

[geoffmc]

Hi all,
it does have a dual battery system with a VSR installed. I think the cut in voltage is 14V and the cut out is 12.7V.

If it is a Traxide system with a switch, you could use the Jump Start mode. If it isn’t Traxide, call Tim and get one

cheers
geoff

[Ferret]

... I'll be there for the next two days.

If your going to be in a population centre soon then ring ahead, get some quotes and check stock. A Varta G14 battery is a direct drop in replacement to the LR original for your D4.

[DI5CO]

Where in Melb are you? If south east suburbs, eastern ranges prestige in Kilsyth. Other good places are Peninsular Rangie, AMV , Ritters. Not sure of other areas, others can pitch in.
Dave

[DiscoJeffster]

If your going to be in a population centre soon then ring ahead, get some quotes and check stock. A Varta G14 battery is a direct drop in replacement to the LR original for your D4.

FWIW I have the AGM Varta and it's working a dream.

[bjasch94]

So as you all guessed, the battery was on its last legs.

Wouldnt hold charge above 10.7V and cranked at 8.5V.

I've confirmed with the previous owner that it was the original battery so I'm very happy with the 5 years it's lasted.

Because it's worked so well I decided to replace it with another of the same (Supercharge Gold Plus MF88H).

They had it on special for $279 at an Autobarn as well so I'm happy with that.

Maybe I'll get another 5 years... who knows.
In any case it's like a new car now. Roars to life quickly every time like before. Thanks all for the solid advice, as usual.