Charging Issues

Hi Folks,

I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging issue I have.

I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on while engine is running.

I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and wiring and still have the issue.

I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between

14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.

Any suggestions to a solution?

Cheers.

M
Reply to
Mattyb
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Engine or Battery earth bond?

Reply to
Duncan Wood

That smacks of knackered battery to me...IMHO

JohnR

Reply to
JohnR

New alternator. Sounds like there's a diode failing in the rectifier pack. Alternator output voltage is a bit low, which would be concurrent with a failed diode reducing the output.

However, first check for any voltage drops between the alternator and battery with the alternator under load. If there's no discernable volt drop (below 0.5v is usually acceptable under load), then it's most likely an alternator issue. You cold also try wiring up a temporary alternator warning lamp to eliminate any faults with the existing warning lamp circuit.

Reply to
moray

Cheers Guys,

Thanks so much for your response and advice.

I had the alternator out again today and inspected the stator as best as I could, I couldn't remove back plate as it was sealed witha compound and I didn't want to damage it any more. It seemed to be ok, no scorching and all wires I could see appeared sound.

I'm no electrician but I removed the warning lamp connector and the lamp stayed off without engine on. I guess that means the lamp circuit is ok. When RPM is increased the lamp dims as i response to more equalise voltage I assume.

I don't have a voltmeter at present but when I used one on Sat I had a consistent Bat terminal voltage of around 14v and slightly less under load.

From what i understand it seem that either the resitor control voltage input from Battery is lazy hence underestimating the field voltage or the diode trio to regulator is defective as I have a good field supply.

As long as I dont overcook battery I'm ok aren't I? Battery seems to be holding steady 12vs.

Cheers

Reply to
Mattyb

Cheers Guys,

Thanks so much for your response and advice.

I had the alternator out again today and inspected the stator as best as I could, I couldn't remove back plate as it was sealed witha compound and I didn't want to damage it any more. It seemed to be ok, no scorching and all wires I could see appeared sound.

I'm no electrician but I removed the warning lamp connector and the lamp stayed off without engine on. I guess that means the lamp circuit is ok. When RPM is increased the lamp dims as i response to more equalise voltage I assume.

I don't have a voltmeter at present but when I used one on Sat I had a consistent Bat terminal voltage of around 14v and slightly less under load.

From what i understand it seem that either the resitor control voltage input from Battery is lazy hence underestimating the field voltage or the diode trio to regulator is defective as I have a good field supply.

As long as I dont overcook battery I'm ok aren't I? Battery seems to be holding steady 12vs.

Cheers

Reply to
Mattyb

Given you've disconnected it you'd expect that

That's brushes or diodes then

The alternator will cook itself if the diodes gone short.

Reply to
Duncan Wood

ebay an alternator FFS and test it !

Reply to
mr p

Yeah, Duncan it was suggested, by an auto-electrician, to disconnect warning lamp lead to eliminate any possibility of a short from another circuit on the inst panel illuminating the light. Thanks for the no-brainer though I would never had guessed what you were alluding to, as if!

Thanks for comments

Reply to
Mattyb

Oh yeah i have a new regulator brush assembly.

Reply to
Mattyb

Oh yeah i have a new regulator brush assembly.

Reply to
Mattyb

By those voltages you mentioned, I would say the car is charging ok. On a good battery it should eventually get to 14.4 volts, but only over a few hours charging. The best test to see how well its holding charge, is to remove the battery, fully charge it on a modern elctronic charger and then leave it few days and check its voltage. If its around 12.7 volts its good.

12.3 or less and its in bad condition and needs replacing. If it doesn't read 12.7 volts after its been allowed to settle for a day or so after a full charge, then it needs replacing.

Graham

Reply to
Graham

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