Alternator

[Max9082`]

Hallo again - now for the next problem.

A couple of months ago my 04 Galaxy 1.9 Tdi flashed up very briefly "alternator workshop" . Then about 3 weeks ago (after doing all the work on my electric windows) the car had a flat battery. I put this down to working on the windows and a spell of cold weather.After charging the battery I took the car out for a drive and within the first mile it flashed up again "alternator workshop". I cant hear any squealing (as stated in other posted topics) and everything else seems to be working fine. Since then there have been no more warnings and the car is starting ok. I have read other topics on the alternator packing up and belt tensioners etc . would these be applicable in my case or can I check anything else before going to the garage?. the cars has done 77000 and as far as I know the cam belt was changed at 60000 by the previous owner.

 

Any suggestions gratefully received

Thank You

[Charlie]

Try measuring the voltage across the battery, it may be over/under charging

 

Its should be around the 14volts mark with the engine running

[Max9082`]

Hallo

Thanks for the suggestion - I checked the battery and it is fine. The warning has not flashed up since the two times that I said. Could the fact that I had problems with my door pillar wires (electric windows snapped) explain the reason for the warning coming up the first time and the fact I had a flat battery be the reason for the second time. Since posting his topic I have no problems and no more warnings.

Could it have been due to some sort of power fluctuation?

Thanks

[bj2004]

Hallo

Thanks for the suggestion - I checked the battery and it is fine. The warning has not flashed up since the two times that I said. Could the fact that I had problems with my door pillar wires (electric windows snapped) explain the reason for the warning coming up the first time and the fact I had a flat battery be the reason for the second time. Since posting his topic I have no problems and no more warnings.

Could it have been due to some sort of power fluctuation?

Thanks

 

not an expert but my thought is

i belive the nominal output from the alternator should be 13.2 volts if this drops below for any reason it may trigger the fault if with the engin running the voltage reads 13.2-14.2 all should be fine try checking this with as much on as you can

eg lights and screen heaters if the alternator copes with this it sounds fine and i would put it down to a glitch or one of the problems you have had in past

i was an aircraft electrician and my galaxy wiring gets me scratching my head sometimes i fitted an ammeter on my last car to monitor the alternator

hth

john

[Charlie]

Just double checked with "Ford TIS"

 

The voltage with the engine running should read between 13-15volts dependant on load

 

Overcharging is considered with voltage greater than 15.5volts

[RADIOTWO]

Just double checked with "Ford TIS"

 

The voltage with the engine running should read between 13-15volts dependant on load

 

Overcharging is considered with voltage greater than 15.5volts

 

Just for info, anything more than 14.4 Volts will cook the battery

 

Radiotwo

[Charlie]

Just double checked with "Ford TIS"

 

The voltage with the engine running should read between 13-15volts dependant on load

 

Overcharging is considered with voltage greater than 15.5volts

 

Just for info, anything more than 14.4 Volts will cook the battery

 

Radiotwo

 

I'm only quoting information from the Ford TIS

[Max9082`]

Hallo

just checked the battery with everything going (windscreen heaters , air con , lights , radio) and it read about 12.3 mark- Is this still acceptable.

I have had no further warnings or problems with the battery since last post

Cheers

[Smilge]

No ...I would expect at least a 13.8v reading.

[RADIOTWO]

Hallo

just checked the battery with everything going (windscreen heaters , air con , lights , radio) and it read about 12.3 mark- Is this still acceptable.

I have had no further warnings or problems with the battery since last post

Cheers

 

I would have liked to see over 13volts

 

Radiotwo

[Max9082`]

Does this mean either the battery or the alternator is on the way out?

[bj2004]

Does this mean either the battery or the alternator is on the way out?

the screen heaters if both on and headlights could be drawing over 60 amps which may be the rating of your alternator as long as you input voltage is more than than your batterys nominal voltage (12v) you should be ok

does the voltage increase as you turn things off?

if with no lights heaters etc on its 13.6 ish you should be fine

[Max9082`]

Sorry to be thick - with no lights on etc it was fluctuating about the 14.36 mark . Is this fine? If so stand by for the next topic!!!!

[bj2004]

Sorry to be thick - with no lights on etc it was fluctuating about the 14.36 mark . Is this fine? If so stand by for the next topic!!!!

its the hi side of ok but still fine check the battery after being stood for an hour or so or get it checked accesory shops will do this for free but it sounds ok

[Max9082`]

will do - yet again thanks for your help much better than the garage I bought the car from!

[mossy65]

Change the brushes on the alternator.

77K should see them fairly worn, if the spring pressure is to low they may lift/skip at speed

Had same problem with a 1.9 VW engin Gal.

They are a plug in module and easy to do. Alternator is at the front, may need to pop the belt off though.

I found ford brushed hard to get but VW or seat will supply compatable sets.

As long as the battery voltage rises a volt or so above static with the engine running thats OK.

Load the electrics up and watch the lights in the dark, do they pulse on tick over? if so diode pack/regulator is suspect.

Happy hunting!