Alternator problems

[stagfire]

I'm having problems with the charging system on the 1850.The ignition warning light came on, very faintly, (infact only noticeable in the dark)the battery condition indicator was showing 12V.After running the engine at a fast tick over, the ignition lamp went out, but now does not come on when the engine is not running but ignition is on. I have checked the conections all seems ok,however the wiring doesn't match the diagram. Has the bulb just blown, breaking the circuit, or is it the alternator?<br>
Any ideas?

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[alun n]

How tight is your alternator belt? If it is OK then your problem is likely the alternator

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[GAZZA]

I had the same problem with my 1500fwd. It was the ignition warning light that had blown, so not energising the circuit.<br>
Could also be worth checking/cleaning all the connections coming out of the alternator and others in the circuit, dosen't take much to drop the voltage. I changed the alternator before realising what the problem was, so now have a spare.<br>
<br>
Cheers - Gaz

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[stagfire]

The belt is ok, I will change the bulb and check all the connections. Thanks

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[stagfire]

I have replaced the alternator and bulb, the light still stays on and voltmeter is reading 12v. I have checked the wiring and connections all seems ok, however as I mentioned before the wiring is not standard and is quite strange. Looking from above the alternator the bottom spade is wired to the warning lamp, the middle (thicker cable) eventualy goes to the battery lead connector and the top connector goes to the engine block with what I believe is a ballast resistor(small red plastic box). Anyone good on electrics to give me a few pointers?<br>
<br>
Cheers Sam

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[Jon Tilson]

You should have the small cable going to the warning light and the 2 fatter ones both going in to the big connector block from which the battery + comes. Feeds also come off this to the fuse box for your ignition and non switched stuff.<br>
<br>
What you've got is a suppressor for radio interference.<br>
Thinking about it if this has gone short circuit your alternator will be discharing to earth through it big time...<br>
Get rid of it and see what happens. Waste of time anyway...<br>
<br>
Jonners

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[stagfire]

What I can't understand is why the previous owner wired it up this way.It seem to be working fine until recently, I will try and change it back to how it is on the diagram.<br>
Thanks

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[stagfire]

Wired it as diagram, it's still not charging. I will try another alternator.

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[Howie]

If its any help, i had exactly the same symptoms as you have with my nissan micra 'work' car. It finally died on me at 5.30am on the way to work 2 weeks ago. Cold, wet, half asleep etc etc, left mobile at home, not a pleasant experience. Got a new alternator - problem sorted.

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[stagfire]

I gave up in the end,after replacing the alternator,checking the connections etc, I couldn't get the car to charge the battery.<br>
I got my Father in law to have a look and do a few jobs for the MOT, he has worked in the motor trade for years and was happy to work on my car even though he has been retired for years.In the end it was a duff alternator.<br>
I have now got a 12 month ticket,and he even sorted the overdrive out for me.<br>
He said it is was a good solid car, all I need now is the name of a garage that can give me a respray. Can any recommend any in the Staffs,Warks or West Mids area?

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