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What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 21 Dec 2022, 07:45
by wbmkk
As the title says ..
I've recently got a new battery and this morning the van started without problems.
Normally as soon as I pick up revs. the battery indicator light goes from very bright to off, but this morning, the whole journey there was a feint flickering light.
I decided to return home .. far better the van gets stuck in my drive rather than out and about.
I'm not really mechanically minded, but luckily a friend is a retired motor mechanic /auto electrician and he is always willing to help.
thanks !
Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 21 Dec 2022, 08:41
by jrt
It might be the voltage regulator on the alternator needs replacing which is an easy/ quick cheap job to do. Or maybe you have disturbed a wire when swapping the battery.
I would check the output with a multimeter.
All belts tight?
David.
Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 21 Dec 2022, 12:07
by Aidan
petrol vans with a cracked alternator bracket can exhibit this fault, worse when being driven
Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 22 Dec 2022, 15:08
by wbmkk
Just checked everything with the multimeter
Seems the alternator isn't working .. so that's the next thing to replace

This campervan game is getting expensive
Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 22 Dec 2022, 15:35
by Oldiebut goodie
jrt wrote: ↑21 Dec 2022, 08:41
It might be the voltage regulator on the alternator needs replacing which is an easy/ quick cheap job to do. Or maybe you have disturbed a wire when swapping the battery.
I would check the output with a multimeter.
All belts tight?
David.
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Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 22 Dec 2022, 15:53
by T3luestar
As already mentioned, check your regulator. Flickering was my first indication of a fault. Buy cheap, buy twice!

Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 22 Dec 2022, 16:12
by wbmkk
Oldiebut goodie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2022, 15:35
jrt wrote: ↑21 Dec 2022, 08:41
It might be the voltage regulator on the alternator needs replacing which is an easy/ quick cheap job to do. Or maybe you have disturbed a wire when swapping the battery.
I would check the output with a multimeter.
All belts tight?
David.
Thanks for your reply.
My mate, who used to own his own garage has checked using the multimeter .. 12.3 V normal .. when engine revving .. 12.8V only.
I'll contact the garage I always use and see what he says .. I have always trusted his advice .. for well over 10 years now.
Regards and HAPPY CHRISTMAS
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Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 22 Dec 2022, 18:34
by mioba
Regulators are 12 quid and 2 screws. The bushes wear (as illustrated) and make inconsistent contact with the coil.
The alternator clearly works as its pushing out V, not the correct V. First point of call is the regulator.
for the want of a nail and all that.
I got an original NOS bosch off ebay for 12 quid.
Topran stuff is pee poor (GSF budget)
Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 22 Dec 2022, 19:15
by Oldiebut goodie
mioba wrote: ↑22 Dec 2022, 18:34
make inconsistent contact with the coil.
Try......
make inconsistent contact with the slip rings.
If your brushes are making contact with the coil you are in deep doodah.
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Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 22 Dec 2022, 20:43
by jrt
My flickering light was caused by worn brushes on the coil pack. If I remember correctly they should be 13mm in length.
David.
Re: What does a flickering battery warning light mean
Posted: 22 Dec 2022, 21:02
by mioba
Oldiebut goodie wrote: ↑22 Dec 2022, 19:15
mioba wrote: ↑22 Dec 2022, 18:34
make inconsistent contact with the coil.
Try......
make inconsistent contact with the slip rings.
If your brushes are making contact with the coil you are in deep doodah.
Â
Sakes, thanks officer