[i30joe]

Hi all,

I've had may i30 for a good while now and still really enjoying it.

Around 3 month ago I started having problems with the battery going flat.
Call out mechanic said it was battery so had it tested and it was fine also had the alternator tested. Next guy came out said it was the starter motor so just replaced it myself. Still intermittent flatness. Bought a portable power pack so I could jump start it on my own.

Slowly figured out that when the lights inside car were left on for a short space of time it flattened the battery. So now we don't use the lights inside the car.
Just wondering is this a common problem? Can it be easily remedied? New fuse maybe.

I'm not an electromechanic by a long shot I'm pretty useless at electrics actually.

Cheers

Joe

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[Phil №❶]

As your car is a crdi, the battery should be quite able to run the interior lights. To flatten a battery thee has to be a long period of discharge or an exceptional amount of current flowing the flatten the battery. The excessive current would usually create smoke or fire so I doubt that is responsible. More likely you have a little mouse robbing amps over a long period of time. Check all lights that are switched automatically, eg boot also check the steering power column. It should become stiff to turn after a few seconds when the ign is switched off. If it remains easy to turn after 1 minute it will need to be fixed at a dealer. The power to the steering wheel is controlled by a relay, it could be faulty.

[i30joe]

Hi Phil,

No smoke or fire, I've checked all the lights and they all switch off when the car is locked. Also the steering column does lock up when the keys is taken out of the ignition.

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[John B]

I guess when they tested the battery they did a load test ! How old is the battery?  I would be inclined to try a new battery, I know it is costly but I do not trust old batteries and the first  hint of starting trouble that is the first thing I do. Hope it gets sorted

[Phil №❶]

Assuming that the battery is the correct type for the car, at least 550 cca and is in good condition, I can only suggest that you connect a multimeter  across the + terminal and read how much current is leaving the battery when the ign is off. Note that the car will display some power loss due to maintenance of the security system, but it should not be excessive.

[The Gonz]

Just be clear about how you need to connect your multimeter as an ammeter (current meter). Choose the right lead sockets for current (A not V or Ohms) and then put the meter in series between the battery terminal and the connector that would normally go on that terminal. It won't matter whether you break into the connection of the negative or positive terminal, assuming your meter won't be subjected to some horrendous current flow beyond its built-in shunt limit (maybe 2-10A). Aw heck, let me just find you a picture...

Maybe this:


or this:

[i30joe]

A lot of information to take in there lol but I will certainly investigate when I get a chance thanks people.....

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[Dazzler]

Thanks Gonz. I have a multimeter but have no idea how to use it. 

[The Gonz]

I'll give you a personalised practical lesson next time we meet.

[Dazzler]

I'll give you a personalised practical lesson next time we meet.

I would like that! 

[John B]

Thanks Gonz. I have a multimeter but have no idea how to use it. 

Its easy you stick one bit on that bit and the other bit on the other bit and when the needle goes backwards you take of the first bit you put on the first bit and stick it on the other bit and the bit you first put on the other bit you put on the first bit. then the needle goes forward, easy peasy .

[i30joe]

That's a pretty comprehensive explanation lol

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[John B]

I thought it might help. I must admit it confused me typing it.

[Dazzler]

Thanks Gonz. I have a multimeter but have no idea how to use it. 

Its easy you stick one bit on that bit and the other bit on the other bit and when the needle goes backwards you take of the first bit you put on the first bit and stick it on the other bit and the bit you first put on the other bit you put on the first bit. then the needle goes forward, easy peasy .

But there are nobs to turn and different holes to plug the leads into as Gonz said.

I might take my own (good)  advice and search you tube for some how to videos! 

[John B]

No pleasing some people 

[Dazzler]

 

[The Gonz]

You'll always find knobs, Dazz

[John B]