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[slb]

Hi Folks just had a strange occurrence with the old gal and need some help please just come back from been out and got home waiting to get in car park when car decided to put warning lights on dash ie eml, air bag, battery and told me on mid told me auto box had fault was in drive but nothing so turned it off then tried to restart it but would only turn over very slowly . So now battery on charge drive belt ok and with no sign from car been in need of help as its been to town then to asda and in to petrol station with out fault till home any advise/suggestions would me massively appreciated Tia.

[Nick W]

You need to check the battery connections and the leads they attach to. Then use a multi-meter to check the alternator output; under 13.8volts with the engine idling should be considered inadequate. Removing the drive belt and examining the tensioner pulley condition would a good idea.


A battery condition check is sensible, as the autumn weather change is a common cause of failure.

[slb]

Thanks will check them tomorrow.

[Andy H]

It will be a failed alternator regulator.

Do the  checks of leads and alternator output described above and in Kevin Wood's guide to confirm.

[robson]

I had similar problems it was the alternator.I fitted a new one but you may be able to fit rectifier?

[Omega VT3000]

Battery or alternator were my first thought too

[terry paget]

I've known a similar failure on a 3.0 Senator. Cure was to change the alternator. I think my fault was failing bearings, I imagine failing rectifier would produce similar symptons. An oof breaker (RobG?) may well have a spare at a good price.

[Andy H]

Kevin Woods guide here Battery, Charging and Starting Diagnosis

and MarkDTM's guide to repairing the the alternator here Repairing the Alternator

[slb]

Hi guys thanks for the help did all the checks and as suggested it is the regulator not charging as it should on idle ok when reved/driving but battery light comes on when idling  so of to my mechanic she will have to go.

Thanks Scotty.

[robson]

Do you have a voltmeter to check volts on idle and running speed.

[slb]

Yes i checked that it was not making 12.7v on idle and was not doing 13.5v when on higher revs.

[Doctor Gollum]

Worst I have seen was zero, so in the scheme of things, 12.7 isn't too shabby. Still not enough though

[Lazydocker]

Yes i checked that it was not making 12.7v on idle and was not doing 13.5v when on higher revs.

Did you check the crimps on the battery leads?