vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery

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Sat 24 Oct 2015 19:43
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - jasesheehan

I have a strange problem, recently my Zafira battery has died a couple times but only after really short journeys. The first time I moved the car from the street to my drive then it refused to start again without a jump. The second time I drove a few hundred metres up the road to petrol station and it died again. I did leave the lights on while I filled up but it was for less than 5 mins.

I have had the battery tested today and the technician said the battery was strong and was charging fine. He was at a loss, any ideas?

Thanks in advance

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Sat 24 Oct 2015 21:12
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - elekie&a/c doctor

What equipment was used to test the battery?Any idea of the age of battery?

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Sun 25 Oct 2015 00:05
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - BMW Enthusiast
Sounds like the alternator is starting to fail.
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Sun 25 Oct 2015 10:22
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - jasesheehan

Not sure what the machine was, he called it a drop test I think. The battery is a few years old bit has an indicator that is still green.

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Sun 25 Oct 2015 12:10
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - elekie&a/c doctor

A good and serviceable battery will not run flat after leaving the lights on for 5 mins. A green indicator on top of the battery is not an accurate test.Perhaps get it tested elsewhere.

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Sun 25 Oct 2015 18:12
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - John F

Check the voltage when idling. It should be around 14v if the alternator is working.

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Thu 29 Oct 2015 22:11
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - jasesheehan

Just above 14v when idling. Maybe something is draining the battery.

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Fri 30 Oct 2015 08:01
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - jc2

Sounds more like an intermittent bad connection than alternator/battery.

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Fri 30 Oct 2015 15:46
vauxhall zafira A - Flat battery mystery - Bolt

Battery indicator is nothing to go by, but drop tester should have picked up bad battery but not necessarily a bad/loose post,, so as suggested check all terminals.

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