Charging Problems

Hello All,

Just wondering if anybody has had a similar problem to the one I had last night.

I started the car and notice the fanbelt screech slightly (unusual as its never happened before) It wasnt until I had started driving that I noticed that my dash lights seemed unusually bright?  I then noticed that my headlights seemed brighter, tried my wipers they wipe quicker than they have ever done!  Switched on my blower, it ran for about 10 seconds then stopped with a pop (i'm hoping its just a fuse)

When the car dropped to idle (at traffic lights) all seemed to return to normal, as I rev the electrical power seems to increase and everything get brighter!

Is there some kind of regulator to govern what voltgae the Alternator puts out? It seems to me (but electrics are not my strong point) that I'm getting too many volts from it and this is why everything is working brighter and faster??

Any help appreciated as always!!!

Cheers Jamie

You will need to check the alternator output ASAP ……..Simple digi meter is all thats required , should be getting 12 to a maximum 14.6 volts when the engine is running across the battery terminals even when the engine is reved . Up to 13.6 is normal across the battry terminals when the engine is off .

Any more than the above Alternator faulty , replace ,  or you will boil the battery and possibly ruin some electrical items . Argos sell cheap Digi meters !

Cheers………….

Cheers for the prompt response Chudd!

I will pop out now and check it out!

Let me know if you're stuck, I have a spare 65A alternator which came off my car, since I am now running a nice fat Passat 90A alternator…..

OK Checked the voltage and it was 19V at the battery, NOT Good!!!

I then discovered that Sundays really aint a good day to track down a spare alternator (didnt see your reply Paul)

Anyway local motorfactor came good with a spare voltage regulator, covered in dust in the back of the shop.  All fitted and running fine once again.  Better than ever it has to be said, so suspect it must have been on its way out for a while!

Gonna have a quick check over the wiring cos surely 19V cant be good for 24 yrs old wires?

Cheers for the help once again!!

Jamie

The Campaigner said

OK Checked the voltage and it was 19V at the battery, NOT Good!!!

I then discovered that Sundays really aint a good day to track down a spare alternator (didnt see your reply Paul)

Anyway local motorfactor came good with a spare voltage regulator, covered in dust in the back of the shop.  All fitted and running fine once again.  Better than ever it has to be said, so suspect it must have been on its way out for a while!

Gonna have a quick check over the wiring cos surely 19V cant be good for 24 yrs old wires?

Cheers for the help once again!!

Jamie

No worries, glad you sorted it out nice and quickly. 19V shouldn't really damage anything too seriously. Bulbs might have blown, but there's nothing too complicated on the Mk1 Golf. The coil and TCI might have gotten warm but are probably alright.

Paul,

I was wondering if the ongoing misfire I'd been having could have been anything to do with this electrical fault?? Who Knows….  I suppose the spark may well have been effected if the volts were high?

Car running a whole lot better now, so I guess its best not to mess too much!! ha ha

Did you check the voltage regulator? If the bushes are worn could get crazy volts... Only ?10 from ecp / gsf. I know you got a replacement alternator but worth bearing in mind for the future...

Woza,

You were spot on, was the voltage regulator, had to get one from a local motorfactor though as it was a Sunday, still it only cost ?15, so still a lot cheaper than a new alt!!!

Cheers