31 replies to this topic

[PetePinnington]

Right, hoping you guy can help as I'm at a complete lost! Basically, while driving the battery isn't being charged. I've replaced the battery recently as my last one kept dying over night, and I've also just yesterday replaced the alternator. So far I have checked.. Engine off the battery reads 12.65. Engine on, battery reads 12.5. The earth strap is a little frayed but I have checked it and it seems fine (0.01 reading). On the alternator plug.. Both thick brown wires read the same as the battery, or near too anyway. The yellow and brown read 10v.
Forgot to say, the ignition warning light stays ON all the time. I've also checked the resistance on the brown and yellow wire and that was reading 0.12 which I believe is fine?

The mini is a 1992 carb sprite. I'm not in anyway a mechanic, just a keen learner :)
Any ideas as to what it could be? It's not my daily anymore but as the weathers been good if rather be driving that than the 08 clubman!

Hopefully I'm not talking out my a**e
Thanks in advance :)

Pete

[cal844]

Alternator is broke, time for a replacement, along with a new belt... Have you had the battery condition tested???

[PetePinnington]

Both the battery and alternator are brand new though? Belt is fine too, no splits, fraying etc! Checked the tension on that too and that's also fine

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

try this pull the plug of the back of the alternator

switch the key to on see if the ignition warning light stays on 

if it dose you have a problem in the ignition warning light circlet 

[PetePinnington]

Cheers grumpy, just tried that and the light goes out when the plug is out!

[cal844]

Buggered alternator unfortunately!!

[Dusky]

Id open the alternator before buying a new unite. Thinking of a loose wire / corrosion ,...
also if it is a new part you'll probably have warranty.

[PetePinnington]

Ok I'll whip it off again, either tonight or tommoro. Actually, when I was fitting the alternator, I noticed there was a wire with a little black box on the plug side was on my old one but not on the new one. The new one had the spade connector for one so I removed it from the old and fitted it to the new one. This wouldn't have anything to do with it could it? Haven't a clue what it is/does!

[PetePinnington]

Even took a photo off it which is useful

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

yes the alternator is no good 

I hope you got it local to you 

and not mail order 

the little black box is a radio suppressor 

[KernowCooper]

This test involves a meter and checking continunity, Disconnect the battery and put the meter on ohms, pull the plug from the rear of the alternator and place one probe on the 2 large lucars (either) and the other on the starter solenoid where the 2 browns are connected onto the main connection from the battery check for a circuit (continunity) on those wires, if you have none then your car may have a fuseible link in the alternator cables

 

Your car was pre spi so should not have one, but its near where the spi came out. but a worthwhile check

 

Check this post here in the FAQshttp://www.theminifo...ernator-wiring/

 

If you have a circuit then do the alternator tests here which will confirm if the new alternator is faultyhttp://www.theminifo...ng-basic-tests/

Edited by KernowCooper, 30 March 2014 - 09:48 PM.

[PetePinnington]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll shoot out too the garage now and give that test a go!

[PetePinnington]

Nope all is good there. Reading 000. Is it a faulty alternator then?
Unfortunately I got a mate to get it for me which he ordered online. Pretty sure it was from minispares so I can't see there being any trouble!

[KernowCooper]

Do the tests in my link above to confirm, then you can tell the supplier you have carried out the required alternator tests.

[PetePinnington]

Ah that's awesome! I'll do those tests tommoro! Thanks for your help!