Low Battery Issue in Renault Clio

[Sophie116]

Hi, my car started presenting a “low battery” symbol on the dash last week. And then did eventually die. We thought at first it was a fault with the battery as it was brand new so we replaced it again.

The issue continued so then we were told it may be the alternator, so a new alternator was fitted last weekend. Now mid week - the low battery symbol has returned. Does anyone know what could be causing this? I'm on maternity leave so I'm limited on money, trying to see if anyone has had a similar issue and knows what this is to save me returning to the garage a 3rd time.

for info - renault clio 2009 with 50K miles

[Gary C]

Sophie116 said:

Hi, my car started presenting a “low battery” symbol on the dash last week. And then did eventually die. We thought at first it was a fault with the battery as it was brand new so we replaced it again.

The issue continued so then we were told it may be the alternator, so a new alternator was fitted last weekend. Now mid week - the low battery symbol has returned. Does anyone know what could be causing this? I'm on maternity leave so I'm limited on money, trying to see if anyone has had a similar issue and knows what this is to save me returning to the garage a 3rd time.

for info - renault clio 2009 with 50K miles

The light isn't normally 'low battery' but normally means battery isn't charging.

So I imagine when the new battery was put on, the light came up pretty much straight away, but when the alternator was replaced it went off for a significant period ?

I would take it back to the fitter of the alternator and get them to check it as it looks like that might have failed again.

You can check earth points between the engine and the chassis to make sure they are clean and have a good connection.

Of course, alternators are controlled differently from 'the old days' so it might be something else in the cars electronics but would be interesting to ask if when the alternator was replaced, did it come with a new regulator ? or did they use the old one.

Edited by Gary C on Thursday 10th October 14:29

Edited by Gary C on Thursday 10th October 14:30

[richhead]

Sophie116 said:

Hi, my car started presenting a “low battery” symbol on the dash last week. And then did eventually die. We thought at first it was a fault with the battery as it was brand new so we replaced it again.

The issue continued so then we were told it may be the alternator, so a new alternator was fitted last weekend. Now mid week - the low battery symbol has returned. Does anyone know what could be causing this? I'm on maternity leave so I'm limited on money, trying to see if anyone has had a similar issue and knows what this is to save me returning to the garage a 3rd time.

for info - renault clio 2009 with 50K miles

French cars are notorious for bad electrics, its possibly a bad earth somewhere, you need a car electrition,

[Peter-jforf]

From EX Auto sparks now retired [ 81 years ] your system whants fully testing...ie...is the Alternator charging correctly....is there a Electrical leak on the system when car not in use....car earthing wants fully testing...a good Auto sparks will have no problem for the Tests....im close to Brighton....all these test should be done before spending money on it...hope of help. Peter

[alabbasi]

There's probably a bad module that's not going to sleep or a short. You can disconnect the battery and use a volt meter to determine if a current is being drawn while the car is off and which circuit by pulling fuses. If you're not sure how. Youtube probably has a billion videos on it

[Sophie116]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I’ve made an appointment at an electrical garage to get all the electrics checked. Fingers crossed it’s just a loose wire or something else simple! Will report back what it was if anyone’s interested.

[richhead]

Sophie116 said:

Thank you everyone for the advice. I’ve made an appointment at an electrical garage to get all the electrics checked. Fingers crossed it’s just a loose wire or something else simple! Will report back what it was if anyone’s interested.

please do, it might help someone else in the future, good luck, hope its nothing serious