Mk1 Alternator Light

[Bigjeeze]

Hi Chaps

 

I noticed on my MK1 that the Alternator light flashes on every so often - there doesn't seem to be any obvious reason as to why but it does do it. I had a quick look at the aux belts - these were replaced about 10K miles ago and all looks OK.

 

Any ideas?

[AndeeeH]

Just traced a similar problem on my Maverick to a bent pin on the alternator where the small 3 wired plug is attached to. Has your alternator been disconnected recently?. ;) Andy.

[Bigjeeze]

Just traced a similar problem on my Maverick to a bent pin on the alternator where the small 3 wired plug is attached to. Has your alternator been disconnected recently?. :lol: Andy.

 

 

Hi Andy

 

No I haven't touched it - but I'll check.

 

Cheers mate

 

BJ

[Bigjeeze]

Well I checked the plugas as Andde suggested- no change and now the light is on permamently - and although the battery is failry well charged you can see it is not charging properly.

I put a meter on it and I am getting around 12v.

 

Any suggestions as to what would be the best way forward?

 

Remove it and try to get a new rectifier or brush set?

 

It's done 130K miles so it's well run in!!!!

 

 

Any ideas please

 

BJ

[Bigjeeze]

Another symptom - Whilst the engine is running the dash light flicker almost as if a relay is chattering. Is this a possibility? If so which one is likely?

[sepulchrave]

It's the brushes, replace them and all will be well (unless the commutator is worn out).

 

I'm on my second set of brushes at 170,000 miles and the light is just starting to play up again, I know I'll need an exchange alternator this time because the commutator has had it, and it therefore wears out the brushes very quickly.

[Bigjeeze]

It's the brushes, replace them and all will be well (unless the commutator is worn out).

 

I'm on my second set of brushes at 170,000 miles and the light is just starting to play up again, I know I'll need an exchange alternator this time because the commutator has had it, and it therefore wears out the brushes very quickly.

 

Thanks Sepulchrave - I'll do that. I haven't stripped it down as yet - I have looked at new alternators and they are in the

[sepulchrave]

If yours is a Bosch alternator then you can get them from any Bosch service centre, in fact pretty much any decent factors will be able to get them.

[greg_68]

I have also just changed mine, not easy to do.

 

There are a coulpe on Ebay lately, around the

[seatkid]

:lol: Nooo!.....all he needs is a new regulator! Just remove the rear black cover and two screws later it pops out..... IIRC Theres a place near Wakefield that does mail order regulators for

[Bigjeeze]

:D Nooo!.....all he needs is a new regulator! Just remove the rear black cover and two screws later it pops out..... IIRC Theres a place near Wakefield that does mail order regulators for

[Bigjeeze]

Well new regulator arrived this morning - I fitted it tonight - about 45mins all told. Now charging at 14volts so I'm happy!.

 

One curious thing is that the Air con packed up about three weeks ago - but I left it thinking I would take it in to get it looked at - but since sodding about with the alternator all is now working again!! Maybe it was a bad connection and I moved when fitting the alternator.

 

Anyway I'm a happy bunny now! ;)

[sepulchrave]

No, the ECU will disable the CC if it detects any low voltage issues, it's quite a useful early warning feature for failing battery or charging problems! But only if you realise what's happening. ;)

[Masked Marauder]

I do like it when things go right for people! I would have been inclined to overhaul the old alternator too.

 

In my opinion people just throw money away buying new parts all the time when the old one just needs repaired.

[Bigjeeze]

I do like it when things go right for people! I would have been inclined to overhaul the old alternator too.

 

In my opinion people just throw money away buying new parts all the time when the old one just needs repaired.

 

 

I did in fact also obtain a new slip ring and bearings - but when it came to getting the old ones out the puller I had wouldn't fit so rather than break the damn thing I just changed the regulator. Some time in the future I will do the complete rebuild - perhaps when the motor isn't required for a few days.