Hi there,
Having just got my V50 out on the road for the first time, everything was OK except for the alternator warning light, which remained lit throughout.
Any thoughts about where I should start looking?
Thanks everyone.
Try this - pretty comprehensive for bosch charging system fault finding
Russell
That’s great. Thank you.
Have you put a voltmeter across the battery? Preferably an old style needle one rather than a digital one. Start it up and see if the voltage rises. You can also check with the headlight, point it at a wall and rev the engine, it should get brighter as the revs rise.
The Gutsibits check list is good, here’s another that might also help.
Many thanks for this.
No rise in voltage across the battery with rising engine revs. Conclude no charging going on at all.
Stuck brush (I had this), bad regulator wiring and connector(s), I read recently how someone had his reg plug fall out and come disconnected, that was an easy fix!
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Go through the 2 guides above and check for the loom for faulty corroded connetions.
Good luck in finding the fault.
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It’s usually the brushes sticking in their slip housings (weak springs/carbon dust), so I’d start by exposing the alternator, then (gently!) move the brushes away from the slip rings against the pressure of the springs. Do it a few times and blow out any dust from the brush housings. You can use IPA spray or an air duster can.
There is a way to check the spring strength using a spring gauge, using the method specified in the service manual. In practice I’ve just released the brushes from the springs and brushed the housings out with cotton buds.
There is a possibility that the braided flat cable embedded in the carbon brush could be damaged/loose, which you will see immediately. If so, don’t bother trying to fix it, just buy another set of brushes and fit them.
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Is the alternator supposed to have a 12volt feed TO it? If so, where does it come from, and where does it terminate on the alternator?
Thanks.
Yes it does, it comes via the charging light on the dash. The guides above should tell you which coloured wire it is. It connects to one of the brushes to create an electro magnet in the rotor. The other brush connects to earth to complete the circuit.
^ I was talking cobblers, ignore. 