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[cwill144]

Hope someone can help with this, my 1998 MV6 has not been used much in the last 3 months. went to use it about 2 weeks ago and the battery was flat, so charged it up and it started no problem. The next day went to use and it was flat again, so used another battery next day flat,  I have checked the boot lamp and interior mirror lamps all aren't on, so suspect and alternator or the alarm sounder. I have started the car and disconnect the earth wire and reconnected 3 days later and the car starts straight away so the battery seems to be ok but the car is draining it quickly.
Now when the car starts after 2-3 mins of running the engine management light comes on and flickers,any ideas? I will do a paperclip test on it but I suspect the alternator, would a faulty alternator cause the engine Management light to come on?

[Lazydocker]

In simple terms, no

I would still suspect the battery... If you have left it discharged for a long time it will cause issues. Car batteries don't like being deep discharge cycled

[cwill144]

I did suspect the battery but I have tried 2 different batteries on it. I might buy a new one just to rule it out.

[TheBoy]

If you drag it over to Brackley one day, I can tell you why EML is on, although you could use a paperclip to save the trip

[K_V6]

When the alternator doesn't charge will light on the battery light. You must check it with voltmeter. Normal is around 13V or 14V.

If this is correct is probably a slow discharge by a little consumption. With the engine stop and car close check with ammeter the consumption. Normally 0'04A

[baggers]

If laid up you can drain the battery in a couple of weeks and no matter how new it is it's possible to kill the battery.
You need to check the charge rate of the alternator to, ECU's like steady voltage.