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[Joiner]

For a while now I have had a problem with my Omega's electrical system. Every now and again the battery would just discharge without explanation. I have a small leisure battery and I just got around the problem by carrying it around with me until I got around to getting a new battery. Anyway, I got a used but nearly new battery from a dismantled BMW and the problem went away for a couple of months. Trouble is, now its back and this time its personal, battery is flat most mornings and to add to the problems I now have this new one...........

What happens is this, I will be driving along when all of a sudden the radio goes off, the info display flickers, the rev counter and speedo and temp gauge drop to zero and remain motion less and the orange TC light and ABS light come on. My engine power drops by almost 80% from stand still and pulling away is cooking the automatic clutch. If I take my foot off of the accelerator pedal the lights all go out but as soon as I touch the pedal the lights come on again (TC & ABS lights)

Seriously considering driving to a landfill and paying someone to cover her up, unless of course someone can suggest something slightly more constructive... 

[plym ian]

test the alternator first see how much voltage it's producing

[rob in gib]

For a while now I have had a problem with my Omega's electrical system. Every now and again the battery would just discharge without explanation. I have a small leisure battery and I just got around the problem by carrying it around with me until I got around to getting a new battery. Anyway, I got a used but nearly new battery from a dismantled BMW and the problem went away for a couple of months. Trouble is, now its back and this time its personal, battery is flat most mornings and to add to the problems I now have this new one...........

What happens is this, I will be driving along when all of a sudden the radio goes off, the info display flickers, the rev counter and speedo and temp gauge drop to zero and remain motion less and the orange TC light and ABS light come on. My engine power drops by almost 80% from stand still and pulling away is cooking the automatic clutch. If I take my foot off of the accelerator pedal the lights all go out but as soon as I touch the pedal the lights come on again (TC & ABS lights)

Seriously considering driving to a landfill and paying someone to cover her up, unless of course someone can suggest something slightly more constructive... 

Exactly the same when my alternator failed 

[Lazydocker]

Another vote for an Alternator check Also, whilst there, check the security of the cable crimps on the battery terminals.

[Marie]

Joiner,

Sorry to hear your mig is giving you snags i know that feeling all to well atthe mo. My mis miggy is fightiing with me every time i do something with her. today is going to be the same i keep telling her its for her own goodand to play nice he he

your problem does sound like as the boys have already stated the alternator or a dodgey earth. the Alternator is easy to change (if you dont have a gaskit in the way )

[Joiner]

Thanks for your replies folks!

One thing I forgot to point out, last night when this all came to a bit of a head, when I got home I shut the engine off to see if this reset things so to speak. Then I started her up again but the problem was still there. If the alternator were dodgy and all these lights were coming on and flickering, surely you'd expect the battery to be flat and not have enough oomph to turn the engine over sufficiently to start her?

Anyway, the problem is still there, went to go to work this morning. Usual, battery flat, some prat with the 'ump last night forgot to put the battery on charge. After jumping her I set off, all was well until after about 9 miles then the problem came back. Pulled over and stopped the engine, waited five minutes then tried to start her, couldn't so had to jump her. Problem still there, TC & ABS light on, all dials, rev, speed, temp & fuel on 0. Even the mileage stays put and doesn't increase when this happens so it ain't all bad

Anyway, decided to head for home and got there OK, funny thing is the lights went off and everything returned to normal about two miles from home?

Going to Maplins later to buy a cheap multimeter then we'll have a better idea of whats going on.

I do have a gut feeling that its not the alternator though, although if it is it makes for a much easier job than locating a bad connection somewhere.

[Joiner]

Righto........................

Got myself a digital multimeter and the results are as follows.

Disconnected the battery and charged it for a couple of hours in situ. While on charge I got a reading of 14.82V

Removed charger and took another reading, with the charger disconnected I got a reading of 13.60V

Left it for 20 minutes and took another reading, this time it read 13.10V

Connected the battery back up and took another reading, now it had dropped to 12.94V

Its worth pointing out that when reconnecting the battery there was quite an arc from the clamp/post as they made contact making me think there is deffo a bit of a drain going on somewhere. One for later me thinks.......................

Right, fired up the engine and took another reading, this time it was 14.17V @600rpm

Got No1 son to rev her up to 2000rpm but the reading was still at a steady 14.17V

Shut the engine off and took another reading, this time it read 12.68V

Left it an hour and came back and took another reading, this time it read 10.42V

Tried to start her, no joy. Needed to get the spare battery and jump her again.

This is where it gets interesting. Took her for a run and all was well when all of a sudden the problem kicked in again. Luckily I was close to home so I headed back, popped the bonnet and took another reading while the two lights (TC & ABS) were on and the reading was this, 18.60V

I'm by no means an expert but I would hazard a guess that this was/is the problem. So, do I have an alternator with a shot regulator?

Incidentally, can someone tell me what sort of current the battery should be draining when the car is parked up and locked please?

[RobG]

So, do I have an alternator with a shot regulator?

Yep

[Joiner]

So, do I have an alternator with a shot regulator?

Yep

Concise and to the point, I like

My next question then, anyone got a spare cheap alternator for a 2.6 V6 petrol for sale? Dont think my budget will stretch to a £180 Lucas from Euro Car Parts

[Joiner]

Out of curiosity, could the regulator not be replaced? I remember doing this to a Ducellier alternator on a Renault Fuego I once owned and saved myself a whole heap of cash.

Found this on Ebay, but unsure whether it is suitable.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alternator-Voltage-Regulator-For-Vauxhall-and-Opel-Please-Check-Fitment-/380391062289?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item589112fb11#vi-ilComp

[RobG]

Item in link is no good. Easy to replace regulator.
You need the Bosch number on the label at rear of alternator

[RobG]

Got mine for the 4-pot from here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Car-Parts-/14239/i.html?_ipg=&_from=&_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ssn=jcrsupplies&_dmpt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&Part%2520Manufacturer=Bosch&rt=nc

[Joiner]

Thanks for that Rob, trouble is I would imagine I would have to get the alternator out to get the part number from it and as I have found a pattern part alternator (I know, not VX but I dont have that kind of money right now) for under £60 I think I will just get one ordered and just replace the complete unit. I can get away with short journeys which is all I need for the next week so by doing this I wont technically be without a vehicle.

[RobG]

Thanks for that Rob, trouble is I would imagine I would have to get the alternator out to get the part number from it and as I have found a pattern part alternator (I know, not VX but I dont have that kind of money right now) for under £60 I think I will just get one ordered and just replace the complete unit. I can get away with short journeys which is all I need for the next week so by doing this I wont technically be without a vehicle.

Not a bad price.
To remove alternator:
Bagpipes out (for access to remove alt)
Disconnect battery
Aux belt off
Remove the two securing bolts and pull alternator forward
Disconnect the wires from the back.

[Joiner]

Now that I have pretty much determined the alternator is at fault I still have the dilemma of the battery drain. I have charged the battery overnight and just performed a simple in series test with the multimeter. With everything off I got a reading of -1.6 amps.

Not knowing any better is this excessive by any means?