7 replies to this topic

[charlietuffery]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently experienceing a real problem when drvivng at night, my front lights are getting to be really dim. has anyone got any ideas as to what this could be. Just to let you know, it's had a new battery fitted last month so im pretty sure thats not the problem. I've noticed that when i'm driving along, the voltmeter reads barely above 11V which is right in the red for me. My main beams seem to be ok but obviously i cant go around blinding everyone for my own safety and using up yet more Voltage. Any suggestions to what can be done about either of these problems (or if their connected in any way), would be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance for your advice.

[lrostoke]

Sounds like your alternator is faulty, driving with nothing switched on you want at least 13.5 Volts possibly upto 14.5 volts assuming the gauge is accurate.

Check your fan belt first, make sure its not slack, check all battery and solenoid connections and earth straps.

[charlietuffery]

Sounds like your alternator is faulty, driving with nothing switched on you want at least 13.5 Volts possibly upto 14.5 volts assuming the gauge is accurate.

Check your fan belt first, make sure its not slack, check all battery and solenoid connections and earth straps.

I'll check the fan belt but i just got the alternator at the same time as the battery, i really hope it doesn't need replacing as i must've bought a dud. How do i check if the alternator is not working ?

[lrostoke]

I normally check the voltage Im getting after I've checked all the obvious stuff like belts, and cables. Multimeter connected to brown wire coming out of alternator and one to a good earth should show what voltage its putting out.

[crispdust]

Hi, is the ignition light working properly? i.e. it comes on when the ignition is on, but goes off once the car is running.

The voltage through the ignition bulb triggers the charging. So if the bulb is blown the alternator can't function properly.

Also is the earth lead good on the engine?

Dan.

[charlietuffery]

Hi, is the ignition light working properly? i.e. it comes on when the ignition is on, but goes off once the car is running.

The voltage through the ignition bulb triggers the charging. So if the bulb is blown the alternator can't function properly.

Also is the earth lead good on the engine?

Dan.

Yeah Im pretty certain the ignition light is working fine. And the earth seems to be pretty good as well. The bulbs still work but it genuinely isnt far off driving with candles in your headlights. What i dont understand is the low voltage as well though, the alternater is almost brand new and i barely get 11V when going along with my lights on.

[TheJack]

I have the same problem on my Mini at the moment, any suggestions?

[dklawson]

First post?  Welcome!  Thanks for searching for threads relevant to your car's problem.  It is much appreciated!

 

Please tell us what your charging system is doing.  I know you said "same as above" but please explain what voltages you have measured, what you have checked, and what your red ignition warning light is (or is not) doing before and after you start your car's engine.