Alternator/Red battery warning light

[Cruz]

Recently when I start the van up the battery light doesn't go out until I give the van a rev.

Both batteries with engine off read 12.8v

When I turn the engine on the starter battery voltage reads 12.1 and the red light battery dash light is still on.

Light will stay on until I give the engine some revs, the light then goes out and I can hear a relay click. Voltage rises slowly to 13.5v and stays there

Alternator had a new regulator fitted in Ireland when the old one failed in June and the fan belt is new.

Could the problem be a slipping fan belt that needs tightening? There's no audible belt slipping screech.

[kevtherev]

I fitted a 90 amp alternator and this wanted a rev up when starting.. once it started charging it was ok.. until the next time I had to start it.
I cleaned the regulator tab connector inside the alternator, and the corresponding plate on the regulator and this stopped it

[lloyd]

Our van has done this for almost 3 years. I wouldn't worry too much.

[Cruz]

I'll check the tab connector if we get a dry moment this week.

I take it 13.5v is within normal parameters?

[kevtherev]

I take it 13.5v is within normal parameters?

[Cruz]

Cheers Kev

Wouldn't like to find myself in a similar position as we were in N. Ireland after driving from Belfast up to Cushendall only to stop for a view and then not get started again. Thought it was a dodgy battery so we got jump started by a passing car then I noticed the guages were reading low (LPG user so i never look at the fuel guage) and the wipers didn't work. The battery only read 7v which had been drained by the sat nav and fridge.

Had to then drive back to Belfast after finding an address for an autoelectrician on my mobile who fixed it straight away which at 3pm on a friday was a fortunate break for us. Regulator was shot and a wire had snapped.

It's suprising how stressful driving can be when your constantly thinking "Don't stall"