RED Light on .. alternator not dynamo though....?

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 4:52 pm

Have an alternator and the red ignition light stays on after the car has started and idling. I think I read somewhere that this means that the battery isn't getting any charge..?? any suggetions..

Post by **rayofleamington** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 4:56 pm

does it go away when you rev the engine? If so, that could be 'normal' and just means the alternator hasn't energised.

If it comes back at idle, or stays on when revving then it's definately a problem!

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:00 pm

will have a go now.....

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:04 pm

nope., stays on and then when I rev her up., still stays on.....

Post by **Cam** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:18 pm

Sounds like yet another case of a knackered alternator.

Most of mine went this way.

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:18 pm

hi cam., how do I check it...?

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:34 pm

have just found this link in google about alternators..

http://www.misterfixit.com/alterntr.htm will read and learn

Post by **Cam** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:44 pm

Basically, measure the battery voltage with the car switched off and then again with it running. If there is no change in voltage then the chances are that the alternator is not charging. Should be around 12v when off and 13-14v when running or around those figures.

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:53 pm

voltage for the battery is 12.8 something when off and 12.1 something with the engine running - pooh..

Post by **Cam** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:14 pm

Right, that might well be the alternator probably kicking out AC or a garbled voltage which is dragging the battery down. Replacement alternator needed I fear!

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:20 pm

can I still drive the snail to the rally on sunday if I don't put the lights on etc....??

Post by **Cam** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:40 pm

Good question. I don't like the fact that the voltage is DIPPING when the engine is running.

It might be ok, but then again, it might not! Can you not get a replacement tomorrow?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:49 pm

Sure the fan belt is tight ? If you are sure the volts are dipping when running - you could take BOTH wires off the alternator, and tape them up so they don't touch each other - or anything else. Then you could run it if it's not too far - charge the battery before leaving - and start it on the handle. Don't use anything electrical - no wipers/lights/heater fan/radio - and take a spare battery with you!

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:08 pm

nope., can't get a replacement that fast., just got one on line, here next week. It's only nine miles away from home, so I could push it...??

LOL.. (nervously)

I carry a spare in the caravan with leads, it starts ok and I drove it back from silverdale and went to get my tax disc before returning home and all was fine...,

don't have a starting handle though.

I'll take a volatatge thingy with me to the rally on sunday so someone with a bit more of a clue can see for me.... and yep, fan belt seems tight enough to me.....

Post by **Willie** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:33 pm

With an Alternator fitted the fan belt should be tight enough that you cannot
turn the fan by hand on a stationary engine. The lower volts when running
means you are not going to last long on one battery since it is not worth not
using your indicators or stop lights for safety reasons. If you haven't got a
starting handle perhaps you can bump start the car(and buy a starting handle
as soon as possible).

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:36 pm

cheers., will try and move the fan tomorrow in the light and bump starting could be the answer.. where would I get a starting handle from ?? ebay perhaps?

Post by **aupickup** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:39 pm

you can get starting handles from most morris minor shops

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:43 pm

Minor with no starting handle ??? Geeees ohhh.
9 miles should be fine - get the AA to tow you home!

Post by **blueangelical** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:48 pm

http://www.morrisminorspares.net/

Part No: STR331
Description:Wheel Brace/Starting Handle(New).

is this ok - there's no piccie...?

Post by **Willie** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:54 pm

Most of the Minor specialists will have second hand starting handles or you
could put a request under 'Wanted'. Remember, NEVER grip it with fingers
on one side of the handle and your thumb on the other side.....could break your thumb if the engine kicks back, fingers and thumb on the same side!!