Battery

[Jonny1*2]

My mates got a 2000 172, and the battery keeps losing charge. He doesn't drive it very far, so never gets charged much. How long should it take to fully charge a flat battery? or is it fooooked?

 

[Dink]

how you charging it?

if it's with the engine running i'd drive it for a least 30 mins (not just ticking over)

with a battery charger it could take up to 12 hours

 

[Jonny1*2]

yeah i meant via the alternator. cheers. So if its still not keeping charge after that sort of time driving then its goosed i presume?

 

[Dink]

yeah but do it every other day for like a week before getting a new one

people seem to think once a battery has gone flat you need a new one but you often don't

 

[Jonny1*2]

thanks matey

 

[mark989]

check the voltage on the battery when the car is idling should be between 13.6v and 14.2vdc i think. If the alternator gone youll only get 12.2vdc +/- 0.4Vdc roughly. if not your alternator prob knackered