Ignition switch positions question

[Neil]

heater plugs only come on for a short time and then switch off automatically, usually just a few seconds.

I'm pretty sure there'd be more drain in position 2.

I was under the impression that the repetitive cycle of heating the glow plugs would burn them out..
And all the dash lights would be on too.. which aren't LED (yet ) so may negate the charging action of the solar panel..

As to the glow plugs I haven't got oodles of experience. I want to think the diesel car I had for a while only heated them once - but then it doesn't matter, whether it's once or repeatedly, really - all you want is the minimum setting that allows your solar thingamabob to provide some trickle to your battery.

If position 1 does that, why care whether 2 is possible - as you're aware, it's only going to produce more drain, which isn't what you want.

Have to say, I've always been a bit skeptical about those solar chargers - but if you find over time it's helping the battery, then surely that's all that matters.

 

[IDB1]

This one's bigger than others I've seen and is supposed to be more effective..
It's about 18" x 12" (not including the housing)..

The battery doesn't drain fully and only needs a little help to have sufficient gumption to turn the engine.. ..

I know the glow plug heating cycles because I've left it in pos.2 a few times while waiting for Wife and seen it come back on once or twice before brain realised what was going on and instructed hand to turn the damn thing off

Battery is currently encased carefully in bubble wrap

 

[highlandsflyer]

One thing is for sure, the winter is not kind to batteries.

I would try to run for five minutes without the lights etc. to feed it a little before leaving it, (when I know I have been doing stop/start night time driving).

That will put a lot more charge into it than a solar panel of small size, especially overnight

If you can't trickle charge it then that might be an option. Just remember to generate enough revs to actually charge, and ignore the dirty looks from the neighbours or passing tree huggers.

 

[BerthaPog]

Is it a problem with the battery or something draining the battery?

You could try just disconnecting the battery (no need to lug it inside) - if it still drops charge, the battery sounds iffy. Is it still under warranty (don't know how new - "relatively new" is)?

 

[MikeD]

Sounds like the main problem is never driving far enough to recharge the battery after starting.

Weird that you can take the key out with the ignition on, I don't think that's very normal behaviour

If you're feeling in a DIY mood, wire in another cig lighter socket that doesn't go via the ignition switch and plug the panel in to that.

 

[IDB1]

I'm almost certain it's the short hop thing and, since it's random and only after a tres chilly night, I don't suspect a power drain..

Key removal with ignition on.. in typical 'head in the sand' behaviour, I just accepted it as a quirk of a very agricultural vehicle.. comes in handy on frosty mornings - can clear the screen and get some heat inside while having a cuppa on frosty mornings

I may have to start running it up for a few mins in the evenings, once it's up to running temperature it charges the battery at idle.. although I have the option of cranking up the fast idle a wee bit (and ignoring the neighbours - it could be worse, I could have a pack of dogs on the premises...... )

 

[MikeD]

comes in handy on frosty mornings - can clear the screen and get some heat inside while having a cuppa on frosty mornings

Genius

Probably not much point running it - not sure that alternators put out enough oomph at idle to do anything very useful. Takes 20-30 minutes of actual driving to put back in what you've taken out (and diesels take a fair bit of juice to turn them over).

If you find your solar panel makes the difference, then I'd definitely look at wiring in a second plug, even if you'll be able to use a charger at the new place - a thing on the dashboard is a bit more convenient than a wire to the house

 

[IDB1]

SOMEWHERE I have a pair of croc clips with a plug on the end for the panel..

It may surface as I pack my stuff to move... with a little luck.

Running it up just sticks a little juice in the battery.. at idle the voltmeter shows a normal 13.8V.. that drops to 8 with the engine off and, overnight (after a cold one) can drop to 6 which is just a little low leaving a fine line between a sluggish start and a clicking starter motor..

 

[pigman]

I was always led to believe that the alternator charges the battery above 2-3k rpm, else it just feeds stuff to make the car run. so you would need to do your short journeys in a noisy, uneconomical 2nd gear.

but I'm no automotive or electrical expert, so am probably wrong??

 

[IDB1]

Well I was always told that it doesn't start charging back until xxxx revs but the chap who fixed my alternator a couple of years ago reckons that's tosh..

I (think I) know it used to be the case for the old cars I had ..

In a couple of weeks I won't particularly care if it doesn't start one morning but, for now, I need it to run