Battery Light

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rugmuncher
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Battery Light

Post by rugmuncher »

Greetings all. I have a problem with my charging circuit. When the car, TZD Turbo, is switched off the battery light on the dashboard is lit, when I turn on the ignition it goes out and stays out when the engine is running. The alternator does not seem to be charging the battery, I have to charge it overnight from my caravan charger but if I leave the battery connected to the car it doesn't charge. Have I definitely got a duff alternator or could it be a loose wire. All input will be apreciated. ps I hate electrical problems on my bx! Such a pain! WTF? ~titanic~ :(
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Re: Battery Light

Post by Defender110 »

I would say it is definitely a duff alternator gone open circuit.
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rugmuncher
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Re: Battery Light

Post by rugmuncher »

New alternator then?
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ken newbold
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Re: Battery Light

Post by ken newbold »

Might have one, will check tomorrow
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Re: Battery Light

Post by rutter123 »

Im breaking a tzd turbo with a good alternator on it £35 inc post. does yours have aircon?
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rugmuncher
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Re: Battery Light

Post by rugmuncher »

No, no aircon.
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Re: Battery Light

Post by kiwi »

Assume you checked the battery is ok?
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mat_fenwick
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Re: Battery Light

Post by mat_fenwick »

I too would go with failed alternator, specifically a failed diode. Battery problems wouldn't cause the light to stay on with the ignition off...
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ken newbold
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Re: Battery Light

Post by ken newbold »

Looks like someone else must've bagged my alternator, sorry
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Re: Battery Light

Post by KevR »

I had the same problem - turned out to be a worn slip ring on the alternator. As a test, try running the engine and putting a volt meter across the battery. Assuming it's not charging (battery probably at 12-13v), then get suitable long bit of wood, apply to the body of the alternator, and give it a couple of sharp taps with a mallet. This can quite often allow the alternator brushes to dislodge a bit and make contact again, in which case you'll suddenly find you'll have charging voltage (around 14v) at the battery. Drove one of mine around for months like this giving it a tap every few days before I finally got round to replacing it!
New slip rings and bushes are cheap enough, but you will need some soldering skills.

<edit> Note to self - read the original post properly. As has been said above, the fact the red light's on with ignition off probably means it's a diode rather than the slip rings. Still worth hitting it a bit though - might not do anything useful, but you'll feel better....
1990 BX TZD Estate ('the grey one', 1991 BX TZD Estate ('the white one'), 1982 2CV6 Charleston (in bits), 1972 AZU Serie B (2CV van), 1974 HY72 Camper, 1990 Land Rover 110 diesel LWB, 1957 Mobylette AV76, 1992 Ducati 400SS, 1966 VW Beetle, 1990 Mazda MX-5, 1996 Peugeot 106D, 1974 JCB 2D MkII, 1997 BMW R1100RS, 1987 Suzuki GSX-R1100, 1978 Honda CX500A, 1965 Motobecane Cady, 1988 Honda Bros/Africa Twin, 1963 Massey Ferguson 825, and a lot of bicycles!
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