Dash Lights, Power Steering Failure Whilst Driving

[Danmurphy1978]

I have a 61 plate galaxy which has had this fault twice in the last 6 months. All lights go out and the power steering goes off. First time it happened it logged a high alternator supply voltage and high alternator temperature. Fault codes have been cleared by garage this time so not sure what they were. The garage it went to says they tested the alternator and it is overcharging. They're struggling to get a replacement and want the car back to get the alternator refurbished. I checked the battery voltage with engine running and it sits around 14.5-14.7v so not convinced.

I don't want to waste money if it's something else. Anyone had a similar problem?

[Az2102]

Ford alternators have a smart charge. Had very similar problems with my brother in laws fiesta and his dads focus. I fixed them both with a new smart charge plug...... ford wanted 400+ for a new alternator and harness. Told them where to go before hunting for a broken cable myself- didn't find one except corrosion on the 3 pinot smart plug.

 

£5 off ebay. Never had a problem with it since.

[Az2102]

There isn't usually a problem with the alternator. Test by removing the 3 pin plug and then test voltage. If voltage is fairline stable look for a broken wore on that harness or replace the plug. You cannot clean them. I tried with wd40 and an electrical contact cleaner. Neither worked Edited December 7, 2016 by Az2102

[Danmurphy1978]

There isn't usually a problem with the alternator. Test by removing the 3 pin plug and then test voltage. If voltage is fairline stable look for a broken wore on that harness or replace the plug. You cannot clean them. I tried with wd40 and an electrical contact cleaner. Neither worked

OK thanks, I'll take a look at it first. Does that cable provide a pulse to change the level of charge from the Alternator? So if it was shorted somewhere, it would switch to full demand?

[Az2102]

No. From what I know it is something to do with a cold start charge. So when the engines cold it gives off a boost charge until the sensors tell the engine it's warm enough then it reverts to a normal charge. If you change the battery and your car has a smart charge then you MUST make sure it's a silver calcium battery otherwise you will destroy the battery, alternator and most of your electrical relay boxes in the car.

 

Have a look if you have the 3 pin plug and get back to me

Edited December 9, 2016 by Az2102