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[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I've noticed this problem on a couple of occasions now.

Engine turns over fast and the car starts easily.

Two minutes later car turns over very, very slowly, like the battery is flat. The car won't start.

The indicator light on the 66 A/H GM battery is green. I don't know how old the battery is but it hasn't been changed in the three and a half years that I have owned the car.

Battery connections are tight.

Any ideas chaps?

[robson]

I have recently had a similar problem would start ok sometimes another time dead. found to be the alternator, whether it was an intermitent fault I do not know but a new alternator has solved the problem

[robson]

I should have added that the charging light didnt come on when I had the problem and I have been told that the green light on a battery is unreliable.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Get your multimeter out and test your battery and alternator output following the guide in the maintenance section. 

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90619.0

[Bigron]

The green "float" indicator IS unreliable! It only checks the SG of one cell, and you could have a dead one elsewhere, and/or it could be sticking and showing a false reading.
Do as Sir Tigger tells you......

Ron.

[zirk]

I've noticed this problem on a couple of occasions now.

Engine turns over fast and the car starts easily.

Two minutes later car turns over very, very slowly, like the battery is flat. The car won't start.

The indicator light on the 66 A/H GM battery is green. I don't know how old the battery is but it hasn't been changed in the three and a half years that I have owned the car.

Battery connections are tight.

Any ideas chaps?

Doesn't mean jack, the Hydro Ball is only monitoring one of the cells (out of 6), time to get the Volt Meter out and see whats going on. I always think its best to start fault finding with a fully charged battery. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I have a Gunson Sparktune gathering dust somewhere.

I have had the battery on charge for the last couple of hours but despite a good connection the needle isn't steady, wavering all over the place.

I shall disconnect it then leave it for 15 minutes or so and then follow KW's guide as supplied by Sir Tigger.

[zirk]

I have a Gunson Sparktune gathering dust somewhere.

I have had the battery on charge for the last couple of hours but despite a good connection the needle isn't steady, wavering all over the place.

I shall disconnect it then leave it for 15 minutes or so and then follow KW's guide as supplied by Sir Tigger.

Good man, you can check your dwell angle and adjust your points at the same time then.   

Put the battery on slow charge over night, when fully charged, leave it somewhere cold for at least a day before reconnecting and doing your checks.

What GM type is it, sealed or refillable, have you checked levels.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Okay...some preliminary findings. 15 minutes after removing the charger.

Battery charge without engine running......11.5v

Car on tick over......................................12.9-13v

2000 RPM...............................................12.9-13v

Tick over with headlights on........................12.8v

Tick over with headlights and AC on..............12.6v


Switching on lights and AC (with engine running) briefly drops voltage to 12v before rising again.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I have a Gunson Sparktune gathering dust somewhere.

I have had the battery on charge for the last couple of hours but despite a good connection the needle isn't steady, wavering all over the place.

I shall disconnect it then leave it for 15 minutes or so and then follow KW's guide as supplied by Sir Tigger.

Good man, you can check your dwell angle and adjust your points at the same time then.   

Put the battery on slow charge over night, when fully charged, leave it somewhere cold for at least a day before reconnecting and doing your checks.

What GM type is it, sealed or refillable, have you checked levels.

 

[Andy B]

Okay...some preliminary findings.

Battery charge without engine running......11.5v

Car on tick over......................................12.9-13v

2000 RPM...............................................12.9-13v

Tick over with headlights on........................12.8v

Tick over with headlights and AC on..............12.6v


Switching on lights and AC (with engine running) briefly drops voltage to 12v before rising again.

Should be nearer 14 volts

Have you read Kevin's guide ...... http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90619.0

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

According to the trusty Sparkune it won't show more than 13.0v with the engine running and everything electrical switched off.

Battery?

[zirk]

Probably, but as said fully charge the battery, it needs to up 12.6 to 12.8 before you can start measuring the charge voltage correctly.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Probably, but as said fully charge the battery, it needs to up 12.6 to 12.8 before you can start measuring the charge voltage correctly.

I don't think I can approch that figure without starting the engine. It has been on charge for about 3 hours (11.5v)


Can somebody please tell me that a new GM battery will only set me back £20.

[cem_devecioglu]

Okay...some preliminary findings. 15 minutes after removing the charger.

Battery charge without engine running......11.5v

Car on tick over......................................12.9-13v

2000 RPM...............................................12.9-13v

Tick over with headlights on........................12.8v

Tick over with headlights and AC on..............12.6v


Switching on lights and AC (with engine running) briefly drops voltage to 12v before rising again.

battery fubar  11.5    must be around 12.5-12.7


2000 rpm charge 13 volt too low alternator needs servicing must be mnimum 13.5 best 14.3  see Kevins post

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Battery has not been disconnected but radio/CD player now showing 'SAFE'.....

[Andy B]

Battery has not been disconnected but radio/CD player now showing 'SAFE'.....

As Cem so eloquently put it, your battery is fubar   

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Battery has not been disconnected but radio/CD player now showing 'SAFE'.....

As Cem so eloquently put it, your battery is fubar   

I'm going to buy an electric car next. I won't have any problem with batteries then....

[Sir Tigger KC]

I bought one of these a few months ago from our favourite motor factors! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712-/350886859617?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51b27c9361

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I bought one of these a few months ago from our favourite motor factors! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712-/350886859617?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51b27c9361

Thanks, Sir Tig......and that will fit my MV6?

£53 sounds cheaper than a genuine GM part.

However, I'm not best pleased with ECP lately. Their customer service is pathetic.

[Andy B]

I bought one of these a few months ago from our favourite motor factors! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712-/350886859617?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51b27c9361

Thanks, Sir Tig......and that will fit my MV6?

£53 sounds cheaper than a genuine GM part.

However, I'm not best pleased with ECP lately. Their customer service is pathetic.

I thought GM batteries on Trade Club were not badly priced ....... but it's been a while since I bought one

[mickyboy123]

i just got a heavy duty bosh battery from eurocarparts for 79 notes

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I bought one of these a few months ago from our favourite motor factors! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712-/350886859617?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51b27c9361

Thanks, Sir Tig......and that will fit my MV6?

£53 sounds cheaper than a genuine GM part.

However, I'm not best pleased with ECP lately. Their customer service is pathetic.

I thought GM batteries on Trade Club were not badly priced ....... but it's been a while since I bought one

My local Vauxhall dealer doesn't recognise Tradecard/Trade Club, Andy.

[Sir Tigger KC]

I bought one of these a few months ago from our favourite motor factors! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712-/350886859617?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51b27c9361

Thanks, Sir Tig......and that will fit my MV6?

£53 sounds cheaper than a genuine GM part.

However, I'm not best pleased with ECP lately. Their customer service is pathetic.

I just checked and mine came from CarParts4Less, ordered at about 2pm and turned up at about 10am the next day! 

At risk of stirring a hornets nest, batteries are one of those items where you might as well get a branded battery from a battery manufacturer rather than a battery with a GM sticker from a unknown source. 

That's my opinion anyway and I await my slaughter!     

[Andy B]

....
My local Vauxhall dealer doesn't recognise Tradecard/Trade Club, Andy.

  Oh! Scrub that then

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Do GM batteries come with a visible date code/stamp?

I'm guessing  the battery can't be the original.

[robson]

Try battery megastore good price quick delivery  in my experience good battery.

[Kevin Wood]

All of those voltages look low to me.. which makes me wonder if your measuring device is accurate, TBH.

[Bigron]

Advanced Batteries did me proud, as reported by me a few months ago - no quibble replacement after 2 1/2 years (as it had a 4 year warranty), including courier delivery and collection of the old battery, which had a dead cell.
That could be your problem, OP, if it won't reach 12.5 volts after being charged.

Ron.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

All of those voltages look low to me.. which makes me wonder if your measuring device is accurate, TBH.

It's a Gunson Sparktune, Kevin.

How can I tell if it's accurate or not?


UPDATE........Car started 'relatively' easy this morning.

After 30 seconds I shut the engine down and then checked the battery voltage. Down to 10.8v.

Weird shit, man.

Battery now on charge again.

[Kevin Wood]

Try it on another car that works properly and compare the voltages.

[Steve B]

All of those voltages look low to me.. which makes me wonder if your measuring device is accurate, TBH.

It's a Gunson Sparktune, Kevin.

How can I tell if it's accurate or not?

By putting this across it ..And putting your hand in your pocket 

[Kevin Wood]

By putting this across it ..And putting your hand in your pocket 

Can I borrow that when you've finished with it? I've got a printer issue.

[Steve B]

By putting this across it ..And putting your hand in your pocket 

Can I borrow that when you've finished with it? I've got a printer issue.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

The family Corsa has a perfectly working 6 month old 50 A/H GM battery in it.

I'll try out the Sparktune on that.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

That Kevin Wood fella could be right.

The Corsa shows..........10.8v without the engine running.

It also shows 12.9v at tickover and at 3000 RPM.

Virtually identical figures to the Omega.

Rotate the 'V' for voltage button slightly in a clockwise direction and the Sparktune will show anything you like  13.5v.......14v........15v. Less than 1mm of travel will change the reading completely. Hmmm.

[Bigron]

It really does sound like a dead cell to me, with only 5 out of the 6 cells holding charge - hence the c.10 volts reading.

Ron.

[cem_devecioglu]

Battery has not been disconnected but radio/CD player now showing 'SAFE'.....

As Cem so eloquently put it, your battery is fubar 

I'm going to buy an electric car next. I won't have any problem with batteries then....

 


you better start exercising Opti.. you will have long times to push the car

[cem_devecioglu]

All of those voltages look low to me.. which makes me wonder if your measuring device is accurate, TBH.

It's a Gunson Sparktune, Kevin.

How can I tell if it's accurate or not?


UPDATE........Car started 'relatively' easy this morning.

After 30 seconds I shut the engine down and then checked the battery voltage. Down to 10.8v.

Weird shit, man.

Battery now on charge again.

not worth it.. change it asap before it leaves you in the middle of nowhere

[Sir Tigger KC]

Yep a little more than £50 notes will see a new battery land on your doorstep tomorrow(ish)! 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

It really does sound like a dead cell to me, with only 5 out of the 6 cells holding charge - hence the c.10 volts reading.

Ron.

If it were just the Omega I would tend to agree with you, Bigron.

But the battery on the Corsa also?.....

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Yep a little more than £50 notes will see a new battery land on your doorstep tomorrow(ish)! 

Two batteries if the one on the Corsa is also fooked. .......(which it isn't)

[Kevin Wood]

It really does sound like a dead cell to me, with only 5 out of the 6 cells holding charge - hence the c.10 volts reading.

Ron.

If it were just the Omega I would tend to agree with you, Bigron.

But the battery on the Corsa also?.....

Exactly. Meter fubar.

Which makes me wonder what the omega problem is, then.

Have you checked the crimps where the cables join the battery terminals? Not getting hot when running?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

It really does sound like a dead cell to me, with only 5 out of the 6 cells holding charge - hence the c.10 volts reading.

Ron.

If it were just the Omega I would tend to agree with you, Bigron.

But the battery on the Corsa also?.....

Exactly. Meter fubar.

Which makes me wonder what the omega problem is, then.

Have you checked the crimps where the cables join the battery terminals? Not getting hot when running?

I shall check all battery connections again, Kevin.

Maybe a cable is breaking down internally.

[Sir Tigger KC]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LCD-Ammeter-AC-DC-Voltage-Checker-Buzzer-Tester-Digital-OHM-Multimeter-Voltmeter-/181420275887?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item2a3d7db8af

Seeing as your piss poor M'lud this should suit you sir?   

[Kevin Wood]

Yep, likely to be a connection somewhere as it's intermittent.

Another tack is to crank it a few times and then feel the wiring from battery to starter, and engine block back to battery negative terminal, to see if anything has got warm.

It's possible the contacts in the solenoid aren't always "making" well, and the starter is running slow due to this, but the starters are normally reliable on the V6, so I'd look for a dodgy connection first.

It would still be worth getting an accurate meter and checking the charging, IMHO.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Yep, likely to be a connection somewhere as it's intermittent.

Another tack is to crank it a few times and then feel the wiring from battery to starter, and engine block back to battery negative terminal, to see if anything has got warm.

It's possible the contacts in the solenoid aren't always "making" well, and the starter is running slow due to this, but the starters are normally reliable on the V6, so I'd look for a dodgy connection first.

It would still be worth getting an accurate meter and checking the charging, IMHO.

Will do. Thanks, Kevin.

[Bigron]

It really does sound like a dead cell to me, with only 5 out of the 6 cells holding charge - hence the c.10 volts reading.

Ron.

If it were just the Omega I would tend to agree with you, Bigron.

But the battery on the Corsa also?.....

Ugh, sorry - I missed that comment from early. I stand corrected.

Ron.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

It really does sound like a dead cell to me, with only 5 out of the 6 cells holding charge - hence the c.10 volts reading.

Ron.

If it were just the Omega I would tend to agree with you, Bigron.

But the battery on the Corsa also?.....

Ugh, sorry - I missed that comment from early. I stand corrected.

Ron.

No sweat, Ron.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Battery is goosed I would say, when the cells fail on these modern units the charge current tends to jump about and you get these type of symptoms.

Try swapping it with the oversized one you have on the Corsa for a few days of testing, it will be slightly down on CCA but will function fine this time of year with no issues or risk

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Battery is goosed I would say, when the cells fail on these modern units the charge current tends to jump about and you get these type of symptoms.

Try swapping it with the oversized one you have on the Corsa for a few days of testing, it will be slightly down on CCA but will function fine this time of year with no issues or risk

The original GM battery in the Corsa was 36AH This lasted for nine years. The cheap replacement which barely lasted 12 months was 40AH.

The current GM replacement is 50 AH (cost £50) and spins the little Corsa engine over very easily.

 

[Andy B]

It's looking like you need to add a new battery to the list along with the charcoal pollen filter       

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

It's looking like you need to add a new battery to the list along with the charcoal pollen filter       

I've just been checking out the price of a new GM battery. Mr Vauxhall tells me that they now come with a 4 year warranty.

[Bigron]

Just to promote a firm that gave me a good price, excellent service and prompt, no-quibble warranty replacement after 2 1/2 years of its 4 year warranty - including free courier delivery and collection in all instances....
www.advancedbatterysupplies.co.uk

NO, I do not have shares in the company, nor any interest other than being very satisfied with how they treated me and communicated.

Ron.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I bought one of these a few months ago from our favourite motor factors! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712-/350886859617?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51b27c9361

Looks like they are £61 now.

Only £11 less than GM.

[Sir Tigger KC]

I bought one of these a few months ago from our favourite motor factors! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712-/350886859617?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51b27c9361

Looks like they are £61 now.

Only £11 less than GM.

If you buy via ebay it's £52.94.    Buy it direct and it's £61.24. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712/350886859617?_trksid=p5197.c100068.m2280&_trkparms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140205155511%26meid%3D8754054588976396670%26pid%3D100068%26prg%3D20140205155511%26rkt%3D6%26clkid%3D8754058275503616161&_qi=RTM1793693

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/accessories-car-batteries/car-batteries/most-popular-car-battery/100-car-batteries/?444771000&0&cc5_996

  

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I bought one of these a few months ago from our favourite motor factors! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712-/350886859617?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51b27c9361

Looks like they are £61 now.

Only £11 less than GM.

If you buy via ebay it's £52.94.    Buy it direct and it's £61.24. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Excell-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-71Ah-670cca-Sealed-3-Year-Warranty-EB712/350886859617?_trksid=p5197.c100068.m2280&_trkparms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140205155511%26meid%3D8754054588976396670%26pid%3D100068%26prg%3D20140205155511%26rkt%3D6%26clkid%3D8754058275503616161&_qi=RTM1793693

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/accessories-car-batteries/car-batteries/most-popular-car-battery/100-car-batteries/?444771000&0&cc5_996

  

Thanks, Sir Tig.

Are you sure it will fit an Omega?......I couldn't see it listed. Only Ford.


said it won't fit.......then it says it will.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Two things I would mention though Opti is that like all things bought online if it does go wrong within the guarantee period you might have a headache getting a refund or a new battery and Andy made a good point in your other thread about the jacket, so check the dimensions.  My jacket is long gone so it was irrelevant in my case. 

If your willing to spend £70ish then I'd also be temped by this one which is a bit more heavy duty and has a 4 year warranty.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Premium-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-With-4-Year-Manufacturers-Warranty-/330855763750?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d088a4f26

To be honest though the one I have does the job just fine.  Exide is a well known battery manufacturer and as mentioned elsewhere are possibly GM's battery suppliers anyway.    Although being a bit cynical about these things I think it's more likely that GM's batteries are cheaply sourced in China and have a GM sticker slapped on. 

I think though that you still need to get an accurate multimeter to see if your alternator is charging properly, as you may find that your new battery, wherever you get it from might not last long!    HTH! 

[Bigron]

Sir Tigger, the warranty point you make is why I bought from Advanced Batteries - online - and keep on promoting them.
They gave a 4 year warranty, mine had a dead cell after 2 1/2 years and they replaced it without demur, courier delivery next day and courier collection the day after, giving me time to swap batteries - and not a penny cost to me!
These days, such service is exemplary and I know it must be boring to read my posts about the same point, but if we don't patronise the good dealers, all we will have left are the crap ones.

Ron.

[Sir Tigger KC]

It's a good point Ron, and from your experience their after sales back up is excellent!    Mine came from CarParts4Less and hopefully I won't have to test their after sales!    The fact that your battery failed after 2 1/2 years isn't selling the brand to me though.   

Batteries can be fickle things, I splashed out on a Bosch a while ago and thought it would last as long as I had the car, but it failed a couple of months after the warranty period expired!   

[Bigron]

Um, Sod's Law NEVER takes a day off, Sir Tigger!

Ron.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Two things I would mention though Opti is that like all things bought online if it does go wrong within the guarantee period you might have a headache getting a refund or a new battery and Andy made a good point in your other thread about the jacket, so check the dimensions.  My jacket is long gone so it was irrelevant in my case. 






If your willing to spend £70ish then I'd also be temped by this one which is a bit more heavy duty and has a 4 year warranty.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exide-Premium-Car-Battery-Type-096-100-With-4-Year-Manufacturers-Warranty-/330855763750?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d088a4f26

To be honest though the one I have does the job just fine.  Exide is a well known battery manufacturer and as mentioned elsewhere are possibly GM's battery suppliers anyway.    Although being a bit cynical about these things I think it's more likely that GM's batteries are cheaply sourced in China and have a GM sticker slapped on. 

I think though that you still need to get an accurate multimeter to see if your alternator is charging properly, as you may find that your new battery, wherever you get it from might not last long!    HTH! 

Thanks, Sir Tig and Bigron.

My car still has the jacket. Having said that it is pretty tatty now so it's demise might be welcome.

I will check out your other link.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I like the Exide 72 AH premium battery. This  costs almost exactly the sane as the 20% discounted 65 AH GM battery.

Choices ....choices.

[Marks DTM Calib]

The GM batteries clearly have the manufacturers name on them (there not pattern china stuff  ), give the dealer a call and ask them to check, I am pretty sure they are Excide ones.

[mickyboy123]

i just got a bosch battery for mine 61ah and 5 year warnanty from eurocarparts was 97 reduced to 79 at mo. i got it online but they have a phisical store nearby if i need to take it back. it said that it exceeds most manufatures in perfomance. is for cars with a lot of electrics like heated seats ect. it works a treat. had the problem with the jacket tho had mine was very tatty tho wouldnt fit so thew it