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Post by nitram on Apr 17, 2013 11:15:03 GMT
I'm at the stage of grafting the exo bits on to the donor (1999 Mk2 1.8) and have now had the engine running 4 or 5 times. Engine runs sweetly but needed a bit of welly to get rid of the black then white smoke.
However, problem is that, every time, the "battery" symbol appears on the instrument panel after 14-16 secs. Alternator drive belt tension is OK. So, out with the voltmeter. Readings are (first reading at battery, second reading at terminal "B" on the alternator): Engine off 13.7 13.7 Engine started 13.0 12.9 After 5 mins 12.9 12.8 Engine running with a pair of headlights strapped across the battery 12.6 12.4 As above but radiator fan now running 9.6 8.8
Looks to me like the alternator has stopped charging, but I'm no expert. So, four questions:
Is it the alternator or could it be something else?
Do alternators die if they are not used for several months, or is it a coincidence?
Is there anything else I should be doing before opening my wallet?
Is the 14-16 sec delay just the ECU thinking?
Many thanks in advance.
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stubbers
Senior
Exocet Number 306
Posts: 478
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Post by stubbers on Apr 17, 2013 12:03:21 GMT
One interesting thing i found with mine last weekend is if you disconnect the battery the alternator will keep it going, could be a thing to try.
Also do a reeding at the altornator not just the battery as it may be the cable thats causing the issue.
Rich
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2013 15:40:32 GMT
similar to the issue i had with mine. theres an extra connector just back from the battery that i thought was a heated rear window connector. turns out its supposed to be connected. wierdly, its too short to connect unless you loop the loom. ill take a pic later.
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lad
Junior
Posts: 79
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Post by lad on Apr 17, 2013 16:57:58 GMT
I can certainly vouch for alternators dying. Ours was fine in the mx5 then by the time we started the Exocet on Sunday it had seized solid and was causing the belt to slip and smoke!
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Post by gwnwar on Apr 17, 2013 21:08:17 GMT
are your readings with light and blower at idle or with added rpms. Did you attach the battery ground from the harness to the PPF and was the spot clean.. On a mx5 there is the battery clamp then a ground lug were hold down goes and then the PPF spot.. Also a ground from the engine to the frame, on the donor it would have been a braided cable under the exhaust manifold to the body.. Why not take the alt off and take to an auto store that tests for free.. There are 2 wires from atl that go to the PCM, GY/R and GY.. there is connector front to rear harness gy/r..
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Post by nitram on Apr 19, 2013 14:42:17 GMT
I love this forum! Problem posted on Wednesday, 88 readers, 4 very helpful replies, problem solved on Friday. Thanks to all but Karma point goes to Alexanderharris1981. There is an insignificant little plug and socket at the back of the car which looks as though it would have absolutely nothing to do with the charging circuit. Connect and bingo...a very healthy 14.6v. Thanks again.
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Post by scooby1929 on Apr 19, 2013 20:37:05 GMT
Can you post a pic of this insignificant wee plug?
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Post by nitram on Apr 20, 2013 8:20:03 GMT
There are 2 main looms which run from front to back. One has the battery +ve cable. The other has all the low powered circuits, lights abs etc. If memory serves, I think this latter one used to run through the thingypit on the drivers side, under the carpet. Coming out of both looms, at the back, are 2 wires, red/yellow and grey/red and (its obvious now) that the two looms have to be connected by the plug/socket shown. Disconnect - alternator does not charge. Connect - alternator does everything it says on the tin.
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