[Corsa C 2000-2006] Battery Check

[Aaron]

Hi, follow up from Vegas's thread, but since my lights dip and my belt makes a bit of a squeal when doing low speed in high gear (its due to be changed) I wanted to rule out my battery also.

How do I go about testing this as they are two electrical points on the car (I've never unplugged one of these before and I do Own an millimetre somewhere).

Do I just stick one wire on each shiny bit on the top of the batt and look for a reading? do meter need setting to anything specific? What Voltages should I expect?

its a maintenance free battery but tbh looks like the original as its Vauxhall branded and there is 0 Vauxhall receipts in the cars paperwork.

[jt999]

I do Own an millimetre somewhere

On a serious note, you can probably tighten up your alternator belt. I imagine you'll need to check current (don't know how, but will need a multimeter) to see if it's charging OK though.

[Vegas]

Check battery voltage with it off, should be around 12. Check with engine running, should be around 14.

Won't be an accurate test, if your belt is squealing should be doing that anyway

[Aaron]

I thought the tightness was auto and it didn't need doing which is why I got another belt? Not a clue how to go about this without killing myself or is it just a case of using a socket and tightening it where the spring is?

I have a MULTImeter but yeah didn't know where to stick it Thanks for info I'll give it a go.

[Vegas]

They do have a tensioner, but if it's squealing it because lack of grip, as mentioned in other thread. So either belt is knackered or auto tensioner has broken. That's why Taurus said put talc on belt. That added extra grip, and replicated a new belt temporarily

[Aaron]

I got gunk all over terminals. When engine off it's 12.29 with wire on esch side of batt

[Aaron]

14.50 engine on no electrics on

[Aaron]

13.50-14.00./ with all electronic **** on

[Aaron]

No belt noise with it all only when high gear low rev stating off or light dip for a second when turning stuff on

[Vegas]

So there is belt noise.

[Aaron]

I mean none when idle.

New belt already ready to fit so tighten old or fit new now I have it?

Batt readings seem normal?

[Vegas]

If you've bought it then fit it :/

[Aaron]

It's obvious to you dude lol. Sure heard someone say it can be better to have a worn in working belt if new one not needed or lies?

Need to work out what tools I need to do it then. May attempt it tomorrow. Can engine be held up on a trolley jack and some wood?

[jt999]

Can engine be held up on a trolley jack and some wood?

I'm about 87% sure you don't need to support the engine in any way to change the alternator belt - you won't be taking out any engine mounts, I'm no mechanic though

[Aaron]

You have to take mount off to get belt round I think?

Did on my blue one!


EDIT< now I'm on the PC I can make more sense of what I've posted, seems my voltages' are all OK then

Hoping that confirms Alt/Batt is fine, just need to adjust/replace belt.