1996 Other Mitsubishi Models Battery not holding charge

Tiny
TURTLIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 MITSUBISHI
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 170,000 MILES
Hi, the car in question is a 2800 turbo diesel Shogun (Pajero). I've been having serious problems with the car not starting. I charged the battery overnight and the it started straight away afterwards. When I tried it again 5 mins later the battery was flat again. The battery is at least 6 years old and doesn't look too happy. White deposits etc. I was wondering if the problem was simply to change the battery or would filling it up with distilled water do the trick. I'm worried that it may be the alternator (ie more expensive problem) but that was changed a few years ago. With a booster (wireless charger pack) I can get enough power into the battery to start the car while rolling down hill but this is obviously not ideal. And dangerous. Whatever advice you can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 4:01 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The battery is probably sulfated won't take the charge-Get the battery and alternator load tested-
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Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 4:52 AM
Tiny
TURTLIN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks very much. I'll take it to a garage and get them to test it. Then change the battery or whatever is required. I'll keep you posted if the problem isn't fixed by this. Cheers
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Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 6:27 AM
Tiny
TURTLIN
  • MEMBER
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The guy at the garage said that the battery was fine and it was probably the alternator. He used a little machine connetced to the battery which showed that the battery was receiving charge while the car was running but that there was a "problem". Good old technology. I don't know if he really understood what he was saying. Any thoughts? Is the alternator definately the problem? If so is a new one required or are there peripheral parts which could be at fault?
Thanks a lot
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Friday, December 12th, 2008 AT 2:21 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Old school should read between 13.5-15.5 volts on a VOM -not within specs the alternator is not putting out the correct output voltages-Its just best to replace the alternator than to rebuilt it-
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Friday, December 12th, 2008 AT 11:14 AM

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