gertwolf2
Doblo Electric Weak Battery
Summary of the thread
A 2023 Fiat Doblo electric with 152,468 km was experiencing a weak battery and flickering lights upon engine start. The suspected cause was a faulty battery sensor, which can lead to low voltage and erratic electrical behavior. It was suggested to check the battery's voltage with a multimeter and use an OBD2 scanner for error codes. After following the advice and consulting a mechanic, the defective battery sensor was confirmed and replaced, resolving the issue.
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4 comment(s)
gertwolf2 (community.author)
Regarding the multimeter test, what voltage ranges should I be looking for when the engine is off versus when it's running? I do have an OBD2 scanner, but I'm not entirely sure which codes are specifically indicative of a faulty battery sensor versus other potential electrical problems. Could you please give me more details?
gretablitz5
When the engine is off, you should ideally see a voltage reading of around 12.6 volts. With the engine running, this should climb to somewhere between 13.7 and 14.7 volts, indicating that the alternator is charging the battery effectively. As for OBD2 codes, look for anything related to low voltage, battery performance, or sensor malfunction within the battery management system. Honestly, though, considering the symptoms and your initial assessment, it's probably best to take it to a qualified workshop for a proper diagnostic assessment. They have the tools and expertise to pinpoint the problem accurately. Battery health is not a joke!
gertwolf2 (community.author)
I appreciate the advice! The multimeter ranges are particularly helpful. I took your recommendation and brought it to my local mechanic. After diagnosing the problem, he said the battery sensor was indeed defective and quoted me 315€ for the repair. I approved the work, and the car is now starting without issue and the lights are no longer flickering. Thank you again for your assistance!
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FIAT
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DOBLO
gretablitz5
The symptoms you describe do indeed point towards a potential issue with the battery sensor. Have you checked the battery's voltage output using a multimeter when the engine is both off and running? A defective sensor can give misleading readings, causing the car's electrical system to behave erratically. Also, have you looked for any error codes using an OBD2 scanner? It might give you some additional information.