MR2 - alternator issue?
Discussion
Hi all,
Just after some technical advice - I have a Mk2 MR2 (1992 Rev2 no less - all the possible '2's) that is otherwise flawless.
However, recently it seems to have problems starting. The starter motor seems sluggish (increasingly so if it's not been used for a while), it's needing a prod of throttle in order to catch, and all the dashboard warning lights are remaining on until I'm halfway down the road. The battery only registers half a charge (if that) until the engine's off the fast-idle cycle, and using any electrics during the fast idle (windows, radio, heater etc) causes the charge to suffer further.
Thing is, five minutes up the road, it'll be fine and registering a full charge. Also, none of the electrical systems seem to be struggling with the engine off (interior lights, key light, door-open warning light and central locking all work with the engine off after a week in the garage so there's no drain), and the battery seems healthy when I check it with a multimeter.
There was a drain on the battery a while back that was traced to the radio amp. This was bypassed to the ignition circuit with a relay so it couldn't come on when the engine was off.
Also, the car has no problems hot-starting. This is purely a cold-start issue, which leads me to think it's the alternator not holding its charge.
Before I look into replacing the alternator, is there anything else I should check?
Just after some technical advice - I have a Mk2 MR2 (1992 Rev2 no less - all the possible '2's) that is otherwise flawless.
However, recently it seems to have problems starting. The starter motor seems sluggish (increasingly so if it's not been used for a while), it's needing a prod of throttle in order to catch, and all the dashboard warning lights are remaining on until I'm halfway down the road. The battery only registers half a charge (if that) until the engine's off the fast-idle cycle, and using any electrics during the fast idle (windows, radio, heater etc) causes the charge to suffer further.
Thing is, five minutes up the road, it'll be fine and registering a full charge. Also, none of the electrical systems seem to be struggling with the engine off (interior lights, key light, door-open warning light and central locking all work with the engine off after a week in the garage so there's no drain), and the battery seems healthy when I check it with a multimeter.
There was a drain on the battery a while back that was traced to the radio amp. This was bypassed to the ignition circuit with a relay so it couldn't come on when the engine was off.
Also, the car has no problems hot-starting. This is purely a cold-start issue, which leads me to think it's the alternator not holding its charge.
Before I look into replacing the alternator, is there anything else I should check?
The alternator doesn't hold any charge.
How old is the battery? Personally I'd be inclined to jump it from another battery when cold. If it starts fine, chances are your battery is shot.
Note: batteries can easily show 12V to a multimeter, but when you're trying to pull serious current while starting they can struggle.
How old is the battery? Personally I'd be inclined to jump it from another battery when cold. If it starts fine, chances are your battery is shot.
Note: batteries can easily show 12V to a multimeter, but when you're trying to pull serious current while starting they can struggle.
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