Dispatch 2.0HDi battery charging fault

[mark-A]

Hello
I have a 2016 Dispatch (Mk2) that isn't charging the battery. I've checked across the battery terminals and it's running about 12.7v. I completed a BSI reset sequence yesterday and it started charging at 14.5v.
Tried it today and I'm back to 12.7v again.

I have plugged in a cigarette lighter socket volt meter to give me an easy reference indicator.
When I started the engine today the voltage initially rose to 14.5v and then straight away dropped to 12.7v.

The dash battery light illuminates with ignition on (first position) and turns off with the engine running.

Can anyone give me any pointers and are there some easy checks to eliminate?

Many thanks
Mark

[GiveMeABreak]

This is the recommended test to see if the Alternator is at fault:

Switch off all the vehicle’s electrical equipment.

Check the alternator voltage at an engine speed of 3000 rpm(engine hot).
If the voltage is more than 14.8 V: Replace the alternator regulator.

Operate the following equipment:

• The passenger compartment air blower at maximum speed
• The rear screen electric demister
• The headlamps

Check the alternator voltage at an engine speed of 3000 rpm(engine hot).
If the voltage is less than 13.5 V: Replace the alternator.

[mark-A]

Thanks for the info Marc, I assume checking the voltage at the battery is the same test? I will see what the test shows up.

Cheers

[wheeler]

When checking a charging fault always use the casing of the alternator as the earth & check the voltage directly on the alternator positive connection. If you check it at the battery terminals it could still be a faulty earth or positive cable fault.
Another simple check, if you have the engine running while its not charging and tap (not smash to bits) the casing of the alternator with a hammer & see if the charging rate jumps up, if it does you have a faulty alternator.

[Kennyd90]

You don't have a fault at all. My C5 was exactly like this. These vehicles have smart charging and they will only charge the battery if it is low, you should see the voltage rise to 14.7volts or there abouts when you take your foot off the accelerator when using engine braking. It is nothing to worry about at all.

[GiveMeABreak]

The test procedure above is not for a C5, it is Citroen's recommended procedure for a Dispatch of this model and year. The Dispatch does not have a (BCSU) like later C5s (X7) that monitors battery health and charge.

If, after charging and allowing the battery to stabilise for an hour, the voltage is less than 12.3V then the battery is recommended to be replaced for this model.

[mark-A]

Started the van today and it's charging 14.7v at tickover. I followed the voltage test as above and everything checks out ok.

Kenny, I did wonder if there was a smart charge function cutting in and out although Marc suggests not. There are a couple of components on the positive terminal wiring which I'm not familiar with and thought they might be part of a smart system.

I will keep an eye on this and will report back if anything changes.

Thanks for all the advice.

[wheeler]

The things circled are just fusible links.

[mark-A]

The things circled are just fusible links.

Thanks, learning something new every day.