alternator warning light staying on!!!help?

[leroiandjayne]

hi all we are in the southh east of france at the mo and not too long ago the light came on and stayed on the dash,iv checked all the earths,all good;its the jx engine so disconnecting battery whilst shes running makes no difference,im just looking for some ideas before calling out the AA! iv limited internet access here so will check again when i can for any help anyone may be able to offer.we are on a campsite here now and the postal code is 83380 les issambres if anyone is near enough to help, many thanks in advance leroi

[R0B]

It could well be the alternator brush pack needs replacing.What voltage are you getting at the battery with the van running.?

[leroiandjayne]

hi thanks for that,iv no idea what voltage as i dont have a test meter with me,i started her up this am and it went off for a few seconds then started flickering on again so put the blower on full and it went off until i turned that off again;tried again just and it stays on again!!!!! wierd eh

[Ralf85]

Another possibility. I had a similar problem with my T2. It had a dynamo with a separate voltage regulator. Warning light kept coming on. Turned out the regulator was faulty and was allowing an excess charge to get through to the battery. Not good for the battery. Replaced the regulator and the warning light went out. Problem solved. Good luck.

Patrick

[Cruz]

Isn't that what a brush pack is? It's a voltage regulator

[Oldiebut goodie]

[Ralf85]

Isn't that what a brush pack is? It's a voltage regulator

If you say so. I'm no mechanic, just learnt from 28 years of breaking down.

[leroiandjayne]

thanks for the input chaps,really appreciate it,iv a new battery on board and also useing the old one as a liesure so i mite pop the old one back on as the main,my thought is that as im only driving during the day i only really need battery to start her up on the way home and im on hookup till we come home,is it worth woorying about till i get back? cheers

[Cruz]

If you have abattery charger you could re-charge the starter battery from the hookup whilst glamping

[California Dreamin]

Obviously depends on how far you are driving...not as much of an issue with a diesel engine but on petrols the ignition system is drawing power from the battery so will only run for a few hours at best before going flat.

Martin

[kevtherev]

I am amazed folks drive an old van without the means to find an electrical fault or check a battery, especially abroad

A simple easy to use meter. It could save a holiday

[leroiandjayne]

yeah amazing eh kev especially as my test meter is the only thing that i diddnt put in my toolbox as i used it the day before,anyways,all sorted with new brushes and voltage regulator,saved myself 600 euro by doing i myself and not letting the rescue team fit a new alternator,unlike a german fella i spoke too,many thanks for all help offerd everyone,cheers

[Ralf85]

The important thing is you are sorted out and at minumum cost. Carry on having fun and let us know how your trip went.

Patrick

[leroiandjayne]

hey ta for that,we're just back now safe n sound after 2300 miles,had superb time laid out on the beeach for three weeks ha ha ha!!!!,stunning scenery on that drive,used satnav quickest route avoiding peage and it was superb.

[Ralf85]

Excellent. You're the ones that saw the sun this year. Lucky you. Any photos?

Patrick