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Re: Am I going to get stranded? Yes Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Sat, 2 May 2009 05:40:41
In Reply to: Am I going to get stranded? Charging light, techlectic, Fri, 1 May 2009 23:02:04 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
At 11.4, the alternator isn't putting out current, and the car's electrical system is running off the battery. When the light goes out, I assume the voltage comes up to something over 12.6, but how much over? Once the voltage hits about 12.8, you are charging the battery.
So it's a risky game. When the light is on, the battery is discharging. When it gets low enough, the engine will stop, and it is game over. When the light is off, the battery is charging. So if the light stays off most of the time, you'll be charging the battery, which might get you through the times when it is discharging. However, if the light comes on and stays on, it's just a matter of time. If it dies, you can get a jump, but that won't help - the battery needs to be charged, and that takes time.
How much time? With a fully charged battery (which you probably don't have), I've nursed a car along for 45 minutes. This requires avoiding ALL unnecessary electrical loads. Fan OFF. Headlights OFF. No radio. And stay off the brakes. Why? There are a lot of brake lights, and they take a lot of power.
Is there a particular speed this occurs at? Only at idle? Only at high RPM? If you reduce your electrical load (headlights and fan off), does it keep the light off? What is the voltage when the light is OFF?
These are all strategies to get you home, but bottom line, something is amiss in the charging system. Step 1 is to do a visual inspection. Look at the back of the alternator (yes, it's hard to see) - there is a thin yellow or green wire - make sure it isn't worn or scraping on the metal of the block. Look for any other obvious signs of problems at the wiring connections.
Can you replace the VR with the alternator in-car? Yes. I've done it both ways, from the top and the bottom. From the bottom, you need to jack up and support the car, and remove the RF tire. Remove the fender inner liner, and reach up and under. The other (probably better) approach is to come in from above. I remove the pin that holds the oil dipstick to the intake plenum, and hold it (gently) out of the way with some rope. The same with other hoses in the area. If you've got thin arms, you can reach down and feel the back of the alternator (remove the battery negative cable before approaching with tools, or hands with rings!!) I've taken a garbage bag and stuck my arm through it, out a hole cut in the bottom. I wrap that with a little duct tape. Why? Not only does it keep my arm cleaner, the plastic of the bag acts as a lubricant, and it's easier to get my arm in and out.
IF you can get the screws loose (loosen BOTH before taking one out), you can get the VR out. If the screws are sticky, the alternator needs to come out.
posted by 76.231.241...
, Sat, 2 May 2009 05:40:41 <-- Viewing This Message, Mon, 4 May 2009 04:00:34
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