battery dies

[welshy1973]

Hi I have a 2000 Clio 1.2 when got car battery was goosed so replaced it but after few days sitting it won't start when running op about 14 when idle it drops to 11.8 please any help would be appreciated tia

 

[James363]

It would sound to me like an alternator problem. Most of my experience with alternators is on classics though, so I'm not sure about how the system works on the 1.2. Does the car have any changes to the electronics at all, such as subwoofers, amplifiers, or aftermarket head units? Sometimes the remote system on these is incorrectly wired and causes a battery drain, which would cause the car not to start after sitting for a while.

when running op about 14 when idle it drops to 11.8

Do you mean when you rev the engine, the battery voltage is 14v and when idling it is 11.8? I presume you know it should be around 14 all the time the engine is running and around 12 when it isn't.
You could try a new alternator, if you get a second hand one and fit it yourself it wouldn't be too pricey, otherwise, if you are taking it to a garage they will diagnose it and fix it.
James

 

[welshy1973]

Cheers james no upgrades on car just a basic model will try alternator will let you know when its changed thanks for advice m8

 

[welshy1973]

Just checked voltage when car running or just idleing outputs fine but when just got ignition lights on it drops to 11.5 so knew alternator it is thanks again james