Menu toggle

dashboard warning lights

devans

devans

New member
Can anyone help please. Booked car in for MOT, however when i started it i noticed the battery warning light and the ABS light on. Drove it about 500yds and car started to lose all power, just got it back onto drive. Charged the battery overnight. With a twelve hour charge the battery seems as though it has held the right amount of charge as it was registering half charged on the battery charger. Placed back in car, car started and drove well however i came back again after about 500yds as i noticed the voltage gauge was hovering around 12 volts and not the 14 as it usually is. Again both the battery and the ABS warning lights were on. This has never happened before. I have had to cancel the MOT until i can be confident i will get there.
My first thoughts are that it could be the alternator but why would the ABS light come on.....makes no sense.
Does anyone have any ideas or is the answer to get a diagnostic test done etc....being an amateur i'm not sure if this is the right terminology!!!
Thanks,
 
If it doesn't read around 14v with the engine running I suspect the alternator isn't charging. The most common problem with these is that the diode pack fails. It can be changed separately, I believe, but OPCs (and a lot of indies) would just fit an exchange alternator. Apart from charging the battery, you should also check the electrolyte level. See the 'Battery change' DIY article for more checks.

Low voltage will cause error codes in most control modules, so I expect that is why the ABS light is on. What is a bit more puzzling is the lack of power (I assume you mean engine power, not electrical power). I would get the charging issue dealt with first, and see what happens.
 
Thanks Richard come to think of it 2 years ago other lights came on when the voltage dropped. Being realistic if i book in for a service on monday i could ask if it is possible to look into the diode pack but as you say they will probably want to replace the whole thing.
As far as the battery is concerned, it is a bosche silver something which is a sealed unit so i don't think i can top up as it is not supposed to be tamperred with, or is this rubbish!
Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top