Charging problem and how to fix it! Help!!!!!!!

[Mr Tank]

Hi

Went to use the beast on Sunday and the batt/ign warning light stayed on! Also the rev counter was reluctant to work, in fact it went backwards when I revered the engine! Had to use my tin top instead.
Tonight I started to investigate the trouble. The alternator sounds rumbly so I suspect its that! Has any one a better idea?

Does anybody no the best way to get it out on a 4.5! Help!!!!!!!!

[Byker28i]

Have you checked the big fuse (100a on back on engine)?

[alinton]

Hurrah! Some has a problem that actually IS the 100A fuse!

The fuse is on the output of the alternator. If it pops, or more likely if the connections get corroded, there'll be a resistance there and the battery won't charge, and the electrics will get a lower voltage than they should.

One symptom is the rev counter flying around all over the place.

Get down there with a long socket (Insulated if poss or be careful not to short against anything metal), remove the nuts, take out the fuse and examine, clean off the lugs on the cables, replace and tighten carefully.

Prob best to remove the battery +ve connection first for safety.

A.

[Zippee]

Similar thing happened to my Chim last weekend and I came to a halt just outside of Peterborough. AA came out, checked the 100amp (first thing I told him to check) said it was fine and diagnosed a faulty alternator after having tested it. Spent £140 on a new/recon only to still have a charging problem. Took her to my local auto elec place and they instantly diagnosed the fuse at fault. Cue one V pissed off AA member who had specifically told them to check the fuse first.
I had similar problems with my elec guages - rev counter was a bit all over the place, oil pressure guage wasn't reading correctly etc. Change the fuse anyway as for a 66p part it certainly can't hurt and may even cure your problem without having to spend a fortune.

[Mr Tank]

Thanks for all the replies.

Yes it was the fuse.
I gave it a clean and its back working OK.
I have only had this car for three months,, and this fault had happend to the previous owner (Reported in a service report)two years ago. The dealer dignosied a faulty Alternator and it said should be replaced.
It was not!
O! well that's sorted that.

Thanks again for your help!

Andy

[whatever]

Mr Tank said:

...when I revered the engine! ...

They are nice, aren't they?



ps glad you got it sorted out ok.

[Byker28i]

That's gotta be the quickest fix suggestion ever - 2 mins

P.S. Buy a few spares off ebay and keep them in the car - just in case. They are cheap items to have.

Edited by Byker28i on Tuesday 12th June 16:53

[airborne midget]

Just for the future anyone got a pic of where the 100A fuse is on a 4.2 Cerb

cheers

[copilot]

airborne midget said:

Just for the future anyone got a pic of where the 100A fuse is on a 4.2 Cerb

cheers

look down the rear of the engine between the engine and the bulkead in a small black plastic box approx 50mm x 15mm x 15mm usually tie wrapped.

[Byker28i]

copilot said:

airborne midget said:

Just for the future anyone got a pic of where the 100A fuse is on a 4.2 Cerb

cheers

look down the rear of the engine between the engine and the bulkead in a small black plastic box approx 50mm x 15mm x 15mm usually tie wrapped.

You have to take the rear shroud off to get to/see it. It's the little black box in an awkward position with thick wires running to/from it.