wobbly voltmeter
Discussion
The electrics on the S have been a bit dodgy as long as I've had the car, and I've got used to the voltmeter dipping when I turn the lights on and bouncing up and down as the indicators flash and so on.
Recently I've been chasing an intermittent reset problem with my new ECU and eventually found that the alternator was causing it. Specifically, the alternator wasn't actually earthed properly. Although it's bolted down to the front cover quite firmly none of the mounting bolts are making electrically good connections and by the time you've got a few washers and layers of paint and rust in the way it's a wonder there's any connection at all. I just fitted a dedicated earth between the body of the alternator and the front cover, and the ECU resets have gone away. As an unexpected bonus, the volt meter is rock steady and voltages around the car are looking a lot healthier.
If you're seeing unexpected swings on the voltmeter, it's worth giving that a try.
Recently I've been chasing an intermittent reset problem with my new ECU and eventually found that the alternator was causing it. Specifically, the alternator wasn't actually earthed properly. Although it's bolted down to the front cover quite firmly none of the mounting bolts are making electrically good connections and by the time you've got a few washers and layers of paint and rust in the way it's a wonder there's any connection at all. I just fitted a dedicated earth between the body of the alternator and the front cover, and the ECU resets have gone away. As an unexpected bonus, the volt meter is rock steady and voltages around the car are looking a lot healthier.
If you're seeing unexpected swings on the voltmeter, it's worth giving that a try.
I had same problem but with the speedo joining in - mostly cured when the yellow ignition connector was removed and the connections hard wired but still get it a bit when lost of electric in use ie lights, heater and wipers so will now check alternator earth as well
Edited by Gerald-TVR on Monday 24th November 09:54
mep12345 said:
Any chance of a picture of what you've done?
Hopefully this will show the back of an alternator. The wire connects the body of the alternator to a bolt that attaches the alternator mounting bracket to the offside cylinder head.
Edited by GreenV8S on Monday 24th November 22:22
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