Alternater light
Hi All,
Just been out in my G, and on starting the engine the red alternator light saying visit workshop just came on. Cleared it down and it came on again and cleared it down again, but was fine for the rest of the journey. I have a 2001 G500 and replaced the alternator about 14 months ago.
Once I started the engine, I put on the heated seats, lights and stereo on before moving off, that's when it happened. Could it just be the recent damp weather or something to get looked at?
Many thanks in advance
Spider1V
If your 463 was a 460 with just 4 cylinders no wood no leather no heated seats and just a red light to warn the driver the battery was not charging it may have just been a loose alternator belt. Anything more complex I will leave to the experts.
PS I remember your old alternator on Salisbury Plain what a great day that was Final score was 460&461's 2 463's 0
Spurious event. Keep monitoring it and report any repeats. If you have any more concerns you could always check the battery voltage with a meter.
Next time it comes on close down the extras that drain your battery such as the items you have mentioned, if that results in the light going off you know its one of two issues, your alternator or that your battery is nearing the end of its useful life. Also note that the more you draw in electrical power the worse your already shocking fuel consumption will be. Finally, rather than your main dealer find a decent auto electrician.
Hi
I have been reading an excellent book on vehicle wiring and diagnosing electrical issues.. and the first advice i would give is.. look for the obvious first.. as your alternator is still quite new.. i would look at the possibility of a loose connector or wire on the alternator itself.. next check the battery cables are tight and the earth strap is not corroded at the body or the engine to earth isnt corroded or loose... often electrical problems are simple loose connections... yes get a tester across the battery... when running you should be getting 14v when starting 8-9 v under load and when off 12- 12.5 v i would check these things first... a multimeter is only £12 and essential
good luck!
John
Spider...the regulator might be on its way out! done a few of them, however a complete bosch exchange alternater is a better fix!
Contact me if you are still having probs, I can do a test via DAS/STAR
sspending cash on parts that 'might' be at fault is an expensive way to fix things... get everything tested first..... my faulty reverse lamp switch...turned out to be a broken connector... good job i tested everything first... or i would be £70 poorer not including labour charges... guessing at the fault will have you changing out parts that are still working and getting no nearer the problem... can work out very profitable for the suppliers...
Cheers for the heads up and advice guys! Sing G, can you PM me your details? Often in London, would be nice to pop in and take a look around.
Spider1V
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lol Panzer - I know
but it was the 463 that made it uo the grassy hill at the 2011 AGM
Cheers Roly - at what frequency should I become concerned?
Spider1V