has my alternator stopped working?

[t-jay]

hi everybody, am i right in thinking that if the dash lights are flicking on and off(dimmer then brighter) that the alternator is knackerd? just replaced dead battery today as it was playing up yesterday and then flat this morning.

 

[jace]

pull battery lead off with it running if dies no power from alternator

 

[t-jay]

i thought that only worked with petrol cars?

 

[jims-terrano]

Hi T-jay, check your battery terminals because mine did a similar thing a few years ago. There is a worlshop on the downloads section regarding the battery terminals.

Jim T

PS can you please edit your post use another phrase such as not Working before the moderators do it for you. TNX.

 

[jace]

no itll work on diesel aswell if theres no power from alternator and battery discounected theres no power from anywhere to keep stop solenoid open

 

[mav]

Sorry my post is off topic but we accepted Knacked as a just ok word, But thanks Jim.

 

[t-jay]

ok i'll try disconnecting the battery lead. in answer to your question jims-terrano the terminals are ok.

p.s. changed the title.

 

[Toolbox]

It sounds like the brushes are gone in the alternator, check your drive belts are tight and a simple test to see if its charging is to put a volt meter across the battery terminals it should read approximately 12 to 12 ½ volts before starting and then with it running at idle it should increase to 13 ½ to 14 volts or there abouts.

 

[t-jay]

jace.....guess what?........i disconnected the pos. lead when she was running and she stoped, so me thinks i'll be needin a new alternater!

 

[jace]

lookin at toolboxs post he may know where to get new brushes these the thigs that where out be lot cheaper than new alternator!

 

[t-jay]

i was fiddling with the connector on the back of alternator and there was a definite change in output especially when elecy fans were on, they seemed to pick up speed? not sure whether brushes or dodgy connection?

 

[rossco]

Check your connections in particular the baker light one which corrodes it usually has a bolt sticking out, or sometimes the earth spade connection does not connect properly might need squeezing to get a proper fit.
Give the connections a squirt of CRC or WD40 or undo the connection and give a wire brush ago over them.

 

[terranokid]

NEVER disconnect the battery lead from the battery with the engine running it will cause a voltage spike and will damage the alternator. The alternator has a diode that is designed to self destruct if this happens. The only way to test an alternator is with a voltmeter and an ammeter

 

[t-jay]

did the volmeter test and the volts pick up when i fiddle with the connector at the back of the alternator?

 

[Toolbox]

Sounds like your going to have to remove the connections and give them a good clean and check the wires for breaks.

 

[jace]

just a thought do u have coded stereo if so do u know code?

 

[t-jay]

no, after market stereo. why do you ask?

 

[jace]

itd lock into code when you change/disconect battery sods law says the codes long gone

 

[t-jay]

just in case i have no success tomorrow and have to buy one i found a company on tinternet for £162. is that competitive?

 

[terranokid]

is that a new outright price sounds expencive for a recon one try your local parts supplier you should get a recon one for £80-100