Electrical problem?? Can anyone help please?
Discussion
Hi all, been using my car all day with no problems, just been invited out for dinner so jump in & start her up. Still no problem, but as soon as I put the lights on the car dies, just coughs & splutters & will not hold any revs at all. Not had any problems at all before this so a little stumped. Does anyone have any ideas please?
No, it starts fine every time & idles perfectly, until I switch the lights on, then it starts to misbehave. I did have the fan belt go last weekend but since a new one was fitted haven't had any other problems, so I can't see how that can be a factor?
I also noticed that the light warning light, if that makes sence, was illuminated on the dash once started, even with the lights off.
I also noticed that the light warning light, if that makes sence, was illuminated on the dash once started, even with the lights off.
Just one more thing. I am led to believe that all the engine ancillaries are new & have done only hundreds, rather than thousands, of miles. I know the alternator could still be faulty, but if it tests ok, could the 100 amp fuse cause these symptoms or do i have to look elsewhere?
Many thanks,
Brook.
Many thanks,
Brook.
Speedracer329 said:
Just one more thing. I am led to believe that all the engine ancillaries are new & have done only hundreds, rather than thousands, of miles. I know the alternator could still be faulty, but if it tests ok, could the 100 amp fuse cause these symptoms or do i have to look elsewhere?
Many thanks,
Brook.
I'm no expert but yes i think the fuse could also be problem. A garage should be able to do what is a straightforward and simple test incl the fuse. Good luckMany thanks,
Brook.
One more thing, if the battery is not being charged, it would go flat very quickly even without lights etc and prob not enough to start it again. The ignition and ECU draws quite a lot of current
My bet would be a bad earth on the transmission tunnel which is why the "lights on" warning light is on. Get the car into a dark garage and see if the side/head lights are glowing slightly. If they are then some electrical items are finding an earth through them instead of straight to earth via the correct route.
Does the fault happen when you turn any other item on (heater, wipers etc)?
Ade
Does the fault happen when you turn any other item on (heater, wipers etc)?
Ade
Have you a good non resitive link from the alternator to ground (use a multimeter), engine case/chassis. Had a very similar problem and this was the cure. I used a jump lead from the alt case to engine block to check if the lights went off, etc. and it worked. Rigged up a couple of chunky earth straps to enhance the adjust bracket. Seems the garage that did a few repairs used rubber bushes at the engin mount on the adjust arm uknobeknown to me...
spend said:
Speedracer329 said:
Well, just had the alternator checked & it is fine
That should teach you something then in hindsight 
The shot bearings were spotted by Dulfords, who have my utmost trust, &, by the way, supply alternators at a fraction of the price of other places that may spring to mind for parts.
And yes Spend, indeed it does.
Speedracer329 said:
Well, just had the alternator checked & it is fine, so now to find some flat ground & jack her up to check the 100 amp fuse.
Ggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Then you said:Ggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrr!
"The first time it was checked it was by a local garage around the corner. To be fair to him it was actually charging, albeit not enough"
So if it was not charging enough how could it be said to be fine?
captaintact said:
Speedracer329 said:
Well, just had the alternator checked & it is fine, so now to find some flat ground & jack her up to check the 100 amp fuse.
Ggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Then you said:Ggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrr!
"The first time it was checked it was by a local garage around the corner. To be fair to him it was actually charging, albeit not enough"
So if it was not charging enough how could it be said to be fine?
I think that is the difference between a regular garage & one used to the vagaries of TVR's.
Edited by Speedracer329 on Thursday 3rd March 20:00
"I think that is the difference between a regular garage & one used to the vagaries of TVR's."
Perhaps, and i really don't wish to be too pedantic, but any self respecting "ordinary" garage should be able to test an Alternator. TVRs are not some black art. Experience no doubt helps a lot but there's nothing special about the CHIM Alt system. The experience bit is just where the wires go in this car.
Nevertheless, i'm very glad you got it sorted. :-)
Perhaps, and i really don't wish to be too pedantic, but any self respecting "ordinary" garage should be able to test an Alternator. TVRs are not some black art. Experience no doubt helps a lot but there's nothing special about the CHIM Alt system. The experience bit is just where the wires go in this car.
Nevertheless, i'm very glad you got it sorted. :-)
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