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[9jdm]

Pease help.
I have a 2.6 and this week(very hot by the way) it has let me down twice as follows. After a short run I parked up and the cabattery was flat. Jumped it and all ok. Got home fully charged the battery. Went for a test run and the alternator/battery light came on followed by all the other lights(abs air bag etc) The speedo and tacho dials all went crazy. Limped home and turned off. Completely flat. Re charged and it started. Sfter a couple of minutes running the lights started to come on again and the battery was again flat.
I have recharged again and checked the voltage. I am getting around 12.5. When running it is giving close to 14v.
Before anyone points to the power sounder it has already been removed.
What could cause such a quick discharge of a fully charged battery.
Is there any way a component could be drawing excess current and how would i check.
Any pointers greatly appreciated.

[RobG]

The speedo and tacho dials all went crazy.

Voltage regulator knackered

[tidla]

Basics first. Fully Charge the battery and get it drop tested.

There's a guide on here somewhere for checking the charging system.

Battery crimps are a problem and can prevent charging of the battery ( Really bad connectors get hot).

With all electrics on you should get a volt meter reading at the battery of 13.6-14.4 v.

If those items are ok, then you can start searching for the voltage drain.

[symes]

The speedo and tacho dials all went crazy.

Voltage regulator knackered

Definitely  +1

[tigers_gonads]

The speedo and tacho dials all went crazy.

Voltage regulator knackered

Yup 
Its over charging so don't use it until the regulator has been changed 

If you do a search on here, there is a post by me with the same problem.
I believe the "cargo number" is on there with a ebay address for a supplier.
New one is around 25 quid delivered iirc 

[AndyRoid]

When running it is giving close to 14v.

Which side of "close to 14v" are you?
Minimum charge voltage for any car is 13.8v, and the maximum is 14.4v.

What could cause such a quick discharge of a fully charged battery.

F**ked battery or reg/rec, followed by "sticky" relays that control hardware such as heated rear screen, etc.

Is there any way a component could be drawing excess current and how would i check.

Stick an ammeter in series with the battery, and then pull fuses one by one.

[kevinp58]

Take it to an auto shop or tyre and battery shop and get it drop tested  I bet its the battery as all this heat will kill a suspect battery just like the frost does.  There is a way to check battery!!, if it is discharged take the cap off so you can see the cells and get somebody to turn the key to the start position and hold it in this position if a cell bubbles then hey presto it is dead. 

[9jdm]

Thanks to all for the first rate advice and especially for the excellent V6 alternator replacement guide. Removed the alternator and yes it was the regulator. All fixed and running again. Until next time!  Thanks guys.