Ignition Light Flashing

[V8BJC]

Hi all,

I have a late 500 SE and the ignition light is flashing. Can you help with list of things to check and the best order to do them?

I checked the battery and I am getting a strong 14.9-15.1v while the engine is running.

At tickover on the drive, all dial lights are flickering when ignition light flashing, leave for 10 mins and the light goes out and dial lights stable.

Drive off and 2 mins later and the ignition light flashing again.

Any help appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[rigga]

Voltage regulator in the alternator, 15v is too high, is that with the system loaded too, lights and blower on?

[V8BJC]

Hi Rigga - no, nothing else was running, all switched off

[hillclimbmanic]

I don't know if it's relevant, but my 400 pre-serp., runs at just about 13 volts. Most of my other cars run at 14-14.5v which is about the norm...

15+ is overcharging...

Manic

Edited by hillclimbmanic on Sunday 13th December 10:55

[davemac250]

As Rigga says, had this on mine and was over charging.

New alternator fixed it and was very cheap really.

[rigga]

Not sure on the type of alternator fitted, but you used to be able to buy and fit the regulator as a separate item, simple and cheap fix.

[cjb44]

rigga said:

Not sure on the type of alternator fitted, but you used to be able to buy and fit the regulator as a separate item, simple and cheap fix.

I have a feeling they might be a Landrover derivative. However as has been said take it to your local auto electric guy. My 4.3 Griff had the light permanently on, took it to my local guy who fitted a new rectifier and checked and serviced the whole unit in half a day for £45.00, I was well happy with that.
PS. 13.5 Volts was my figure on the dial.

[kevd]

Check the 100 amp fuse underneath the car. I had a similar fault and it turned out to be a cracked fuse it looked ok until I took it out then it fell in half. Trouble was I had already canged the alternator thinking that was the problem

[kevd]

Check the 100 amp fuse underneath the car. I had a similar fault and it turned out to be a cracked fuse it looked ok until I took it out then it fell in half. Trouble was I had already canged the alternator thinking that was the problem

[t400ble]

How would a fuse cause a alternator to over charge?

[Oldred_V8S]

rigga said:

Not sure on the type of alternator fitted, but you used to be able to buy and fit the regulator as a separate item, simple and cheap fix.

What he said.

People, be very careful about buying a replacment alternator, get your old one repaired; chances are the original is a Magnetti Morreli, but the replacement will be some cheap ste, even from one of our preferred suppliers.

Repair kits can be had for around £20-£30.

[davemac250]

????

It's a ford unit output.

Standard fit on a Granada from memory.

Put a fancy Italian name on it, but doesn't change what is essentially a pretty basic bit of kit.

Given the rest of the parts bin bits on the cars that's hardly a news item.

[Oldred_V8S]

davemac250 said:

????

It's a ford unit output.

Standard fit on a Granada from memory.

Put a fancy Italian name on it, but doesn't change what is essentially a pretty basic bit of kit.

Given the rest of the parts bin bits on the cars that's hardly a news item.

Friend of mine made the mistake of swapping his MM alternator for a ??? unit from a well respected supplier of TVR spares and had nothing but trouble with the cheaply produced but expensive to buy unit; in the end he threw it back at them and got his old unit repaired at a much lower cost.

[V8BJC]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I will try and take a look over the Xmas break

Merry Christmas all.

Brian

[V8BJC]

Oldred_V8S said:

rigga said:

Not sure on the type of alternator fitted, but you used to be able to buy and fit the regulator as a separate item, simple and cheap fix.

What he said.

People, be very careful about buying a replacment alternator, get your old one repaired; chances are the original is a Magnetti Morreli, but the replacement will be some cheap ste, even from one of our preferred suppliers.

Repair kits can be had for around £20-£30.

Hi

Finally got some time to look at my car today. Alternator regulator appears to be shot. Been searching the Internet and cannot find one. Anyone know where I may be able to source a repair kit as do not want to pay for a new alternator if I don't need to.

Cheers
Brian

[Oldred_V8S]

V8BJC said:

Hi

Finally got some time to look at my car today. Alternator regulator appears to be shot. Been searching the Internet and cannot find one. Anyone know where I may be able to source a repair kit as do not want to pay for a new alternator if I don't need to.

Cheers
Brian

I think these were the people I used

http://www.sandcelectrical.com/

Get a repair kit; it comes with lots of goodies that could be useful in the future.

[V8BJC]

Oldred_V8S said:

I think these were the people I used

http://www.sandcelectrical.com/

Get a repair kit; it comes with lots of goodies that could be useful in the future.

Cheers Oldred....... I'll take a look

[V8BJC]

Pulled my alternator off today and ordered a new regulator

Hopefully back on the road next weekend and my wallet is only £20 lighter

Thanks for the advice
Brian

[Oldred_V8S]

V8BJC said:

Pulled my alternator off today and ordered a new regulator

Hopefully back on the road next weekend and my wallet is only £20 lighter

Thanks for the advice
Brian

Did you get the repair kit? You may also need the diode pack.

[V8BJC]

Oldred_V8S said:

Did you get the repair kit? You may also need the diode pack.

No, I just got the regulator on advice from Steve at S and C. Great people to deal with, really helpful.

Fitted this morning and I now have a stable 14.7v at the battery terminals.

Thanks for the advice guys. Just. £20 for the regulator and I still have my OEM quality alternator.

Now..... Where's the sun

Brian