Battery light illuminated

[jimmy harleston]

Battery warning light has come on on the dashboard. Before I spend more money on her any pointers for someone with no electrical knowledge to do when I get home tonight would be greatly appreciated.i did put the battery on charge last night and it has taken the charge ok. My local motor factors quoted me around.75+ vat. For a new alternator But from my no plate details there is 3 to chose from depending on amp hours. Cheers

[Bigfoot]

Have you got a multimeter to check what charge your battery is getting when engine is running?

[Trevhib]

Have you got a multimeter? You need to test to see if the alternator is charging the battery by setting the meter to 20v and putting the red/black leads on the positive and negative terminals and having a look.

If it isn't charging then I'd look at all the alternator connections, remove, check, clean, replace and re-test.

I'd then do the same with the main earth points on the engine. Actually if the alternator looks to be ok you could just have an earthing problem.

That's not a bad price for an alternator though I imagine that will be a reconditioned one.

[Trevhib]

Jinx

[jimmy harleston]

Have you got a multimeter? You need to test to see if the alternator is charging the battery by setting the meter to 20v and putting the red/black leads on the positive and negative terminals and having a look.

If it isn't charging then I'd look at all the alternator connections, remove, check, clean, replace and re-test.

I'd then do the same with the main earth points on the engine. Actually if the alternator looks to be ok you could just have an earthing problem.

That's not a bad price for an alternator though I imagine that will be a reconditioned one.

I do have a meter somewhere although it reminds me of those scientific calculators at school!! In other words I don't know what all the bloody buttons do lol..guess I better start learning. Sorry forgive my absolute ignorance,but the earthing points should be found where??

[Trevhib]

Set the dial of the multimeter to '20v'
Put the red/black leads on the positive/negative terminals of your battery (respectively)
See what the reading says
Start your car
See what the reading says now
Report back with both readings


Whilst the car is running = 14-15 volts IIRC.

While the car is not running (assuming the battery is fully charged) = 12 volts

[Trevhib]

After a quick search, earth points:

http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=8114

And some good information here:

http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=36013

[michael tierney]

check u have no loose connections on the back of the alternator

[Mr Raider]

check u have no loose connections on the back of the alternator

Well said mate, had this on mine the connections at the back of the alternator on the top had come loose and wasnt charging the battery properly. :agree:

[Trevhib]

I'd look at all the alternator connections, remove, check, clean, replace and re-test.


Ahem :D

[jimmy harleston]

Thanks guys will get into it when I get home. I feel I know have some good advice to get started with. Cheers again.

[Trevhib]

Please let us know how you get on. :agree:

[jimmy harleston]

After breaking the multi meter I bought on the way home, ive now replaced it and initial results are.
battery fresh off the charger = 12.9v
car running@just under1500rpm 12.42v
battery light still illuminated in car
will remove and attach new connectors and scotchbrite the terminals after tea see if that will help.wires not good condition but nothing external visually broken.

[jimmy harleston]

Light is no longer illuminated, and I appear to be charging.now putting out
12.57v initially
14.43v running
so thats a win for the morons :smokin:

Diagnosis, broken ring connector. My jubilation is now definately outweighing my initial anguish. Im sure not every problem will have such a simple solution.

thanks trevhib and all for your assistance earlier today..

[rabbitstew]

Excellent, glad you got the problem sorted. Makes forums like this all the worth while for the advice!

[Bigfoot]

That's good news and very cheap fix :agree:

[jimmy harleston]

Excellent, glad you got the problem sorted. Makes forums like this all the worth while for the advice!

My thoughts exactly.

[Trevhib]

Hurray a cheap and simple fix, the staple of all GTT owners :yeah:

Nicely done Jimmy :)