I have an auto 2004 V6 and I’ve notice my Redarc solenoid clicking on and off while driving. I've done some checks with a multimeter but I’m not sure if my results are normal.
When idling with redarc connected and no accessories switched on both batteries are at 13.5-14v depending on how long it has been running. However when in Drive but stopped (engine at approx 500rpm) with lights, air con & stereo (with 2 amps) the voltage drops to 12.2 and the solenoid disconnects. When i accelerate away the voltage increases and the solenoid reconnects. Is it normal for this sort of load to drop the voltage to 12.2? If i'm in Park the engine revs slightly higher and the voltage stays above 13 with the same load.
Last night i was parked with my spot lights on. This caused the voltage to drop below 12.5 and the solenoid disconnected. Since the spot lights are connected to the second battery which was now isolated the main battery quickly increased above 13v and reconnected the solenoid. As soon as it reconnected bringing the spot lights back into the circuit the voltage dropped again. This created a cycle with the solenoid switching every 30 seconds.
So is this normal or is my alternator dodgy? If it is normal will all this connecting and disconnecting damage the battery or the solenoid?
Thanks,
Cam
When idling with redarc connected and no accessories switched on both batteries are at 13.5-14v depending on how long it has been running. However when in Drive but stopped (engine at approx 500rpm) with lights, air con & stereo (with 2 amps) the voltage drops to 12.2 and the solenoid disconnects. When i accelerate away the voltage increases and the solenoid reconnects. Is it normal for this sort of load to drop the voltage to 12.2? If i'm in Park the engine revs slightly higher and the voltage stays above 13 with the same load.
Last night i was parked with my spot lights on. This caused the voltage to drop below 12.5 and the solenoid disconnected. Since the spot lights are connected to the second battery which was now isolated the main battery quickly increased above 13v and reconnected the solenoid. As soon as it reconnected bringing the spot lights back into the circuit the voltage dropped again. This created a cycle with the solenoid switching every 30 seconds.
So is this normal or is my alternator dodgy? If it is normal will all this connecting and disconnecting damage the battery or the solenoid?
Thanks,
Cam
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