bubbling battery, starting issues

[Tugela]

My wife just called from a parking lot to report the Disco wouldn't start. Lights, radio, everything works but there's just clicking when turning the key. After numerous attempts she finally got it going.

Just a couple weeks ago I replaced the starter AND the battery, fixing this exact problem. So I was surprised to hear the same thing was happening again.

Wife opened the hood and saw corrosion on the battery. I haven't seen it yet, but this sounds unusual for a 2-week old battery.

It seems like something else is the issue here other than the battery or the starter. The old battery had an accumulation of powdery gunk on it when I replaced it.

What is happening?
What is causing it?
How can I fix it?

 

[antichrist]

What kind of battery? Flooded cell I assume since you say it's bubbling. That's a sign of the alternator overcharging.

 

[Tugela]

Can't say for sure if it's bubbling, just that there is evidence of the battery's contents on the exterior.

So if alternator is overcharging, what's causing that and how does one fix it?

 

[riceybean]

Sounds like the voltage regulator is caput, should be in the alternator itself. Not to sure if they are replaceable..

Had a Vanagon Syncro do that, all the lights went SUPER bright and burnt out every one before I could shut it down.

 

[RoverbyProxy]

Sounds like a bad alternator, replaced it and clean your b pos lead and grounds. Make sure the wires to the alternator aren't corroded either.

 

[listerdiesel]

You can get replacement regulators, just check charging volts with all lights on and running at a fast idle. Should be 13.80 or close to it. Much over 14.20V suggests regulator is fried, OR you could have a diode gone short-circuit in the 3-phase rectifier diode pack.

Peter

 

[DiscoBlanco]

I think its the flux capacitor.

 

[Tugela]

I think its the flux capacitor.

Replacing that isn't going to do me any good. I don't think my Disco could reach 88mph if you put a rocket booster on it.

 

[crown14]

I want to be helpful here, I really do.... but the reality is you have turned to an internet forum for help diagnosing a problem based on an observation relayed to you by a woman who was stranded in a parking lot. Now, to be fair, your wife could be the world's leading expert on identifying corrosion deposits left by different types of acid... but something tells me that might not be the case.

I will award you bonus points though, for having a wife that knows how to get the hood open and where to find the battery.