Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel_Dave
Yeah, sounds like you're getting low on battery voltage. When you really do intensive EOC P&G the issue becomes that the alternator only runs when the engine's on and the battery draw during the glide is greater than the battery charge during the pulse. This is particularly true this time of year (for those of us in the northern hemisphere). The days get shorter, so you need to drive more in the dark. That means more current draw for the lights. Colder temps also mean more current draw whenever you need to use the starter to crank the engine over.
I ran into this issue just a little last winter, and it's starting to happen again to me. Currently I average % for the engine running is about 15%. For me, it'll happen when I do a cranking start--the engine may crank a little slow, then when it starts up the ECM resets: trip meter, hr meter, FE meter, etc. all just reset. Occassionally, I've also seen the odometer lose a couple miles.
I believe Pale has also run into this issue (at least with his last car).
Here are some optons:
1) Do whatever you can to avoid cranking starts (starter use). This can be done by managing lights better , scubbing speed off and then bump starting, etc.
2) Do whatever you can to reduce current draw. Leave the radio off, HVAC blower off, etc.
3) Start using a trickle charger at least occassionally to restore the charge back up.
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Well, my theory was that I was draining down the battery and at a certain voltage, it just cuts all power. By everyone's responses, I'd say my theory is confirmed.
I very rarely start with the key, it's almost always bump starts. I typically lead the headlights off as much as possible, but it is getting darker. I have been running with just the parking lights, I may have to look into LED bulbs as Pale suggested.
The beginning and end of my commute both have much less opportunity for P&G, so the battery tends to get more charge built up then. It's only the middle leg that I find I have trouble with it.