Susan S. Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 I have a standard SuperSprint (1700 X-flow). The ignition light (i.e the red light) this does not go out when the car has been started, sometimes if you rev it a bit it will go out and then when the revs drop it will come on again - but this does not happen all the time. Also the battery is losing charge. When I come to a stop at traffic lights etc you have to rev the engine to stop the engine from cutting out. Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this as I hate electrics! Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 alternator is knackered will have to be overhauled or replaced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super_Rich_Bernie Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 The alternator I should think. A decent auto electical specialist will be able to overhaul or supply a reconditioned unit. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan S. Posted December 20, 2002 Author Share Posted December 20, 2002 Please help, if I dont fix it, I can t get home for Xmas!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackbirdman Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 It may not be the alternator itself. One common problem is the connectors on the back oft he alternator. Disconnect these (note which one goes where!) clean up both parts of each contact and try again. It worked for em many times. Good luck Matt Is it a bike? Is it a car? No it's Blackbirdman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Sewell Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 Disconnect the battery first - otherwise 1 spark and the alternator is toast anyway! Learnt the hard way. Low tech luddite - xflow and proud! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jf_renard Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 Hi. The ignition lamp is connected between: -1: the positive connector of the battery -2: to make it simple, the output of the alternator Engine stopped, 1 is +12V and 2 is 0V -> light on (diff=12V) Engine running and all OK, 1 is +13.5V and 2 is +13.5V -> light off (diff=0V) At very low idle, 1 is +12V and 2 can be 8V -> light slightly on (diff=4V) You tell that if you rev the engine, the light goes off, so it seems normal. Maybe you just need a battery charging and an idle tuning? Jeff LHD 1990 BDR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Brother Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 Anybody know what it means if you have the opposite to this Tickover and lowish (-3500rpm) ign light OFF Higher reve - light glows brighter and brighter. Alternator connector is in good condition (less that 12 months old) Steve Se7en-Up! Less is more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YW Sin Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 secret_womble I have a very similar problem as yours with my 1.7 X-flow. But the light goes off after a few revs and stays off. I have also been wondering why this happens. ~~~ standard 1.7 X-flow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rory Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 Womble, Alternators have to reach a certain speed before they 'excite' and start generating a proper output. What you are seeing is that it has to be rev'd higher before this happens (i.e. the light goes out). It would suggest that the alternator is on its way out. I'd just go and get a recon, they cost next to nothing and are a peice of cake to change. Steve, your problem sounds like the regulator is gone, the output is climbing over more 13.8 V the higher you rev it. As the battery acts as a big capacitor and will tend to hold the voltage at the correct level, this won't do much harm short term to all of the electrics in the car. It is attempting to overcharge the battery though and will knacker the battery after a while. ---john--- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Brother Posted December 20, 2002 Share Posted December 20, 2002 Cheers John. Do you know if it is possible to purchase a replacement regulator? Steve Se7en-Up! Less is more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS CLARK Posted December 21, 2002 Share Posted December 21, 2002 I remember at one time that 'Lucas' would supply replacement regulator packs for home replacement. I think those days are long gone though. Too much trouble to keep in stock/people don't want to do it/too much fuss/product liability etc. I needed one 'cos I borrowed a battery from a friend when mine on the Triumph was 'flat' (from a boot interior light switch fault) and it all fitted exactly the same as it was size perfect. What I failed to notice that the pos terminal on the particular battery was actually the neg etc. Ooops.New alt reg required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel Mclaughlin Posted December 21, 2002 Share Posted December 21, 2002 Steve , I had an alternator that glowed at high RPM on a car I had once. Turned out that the worn brushes in it were not being held in by the springs sufficiently and would not track properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Brother Posted December 21, 2002 Share Posted December 21, 2002 Edited as it was a bad idea ☹️ Edited by - steve Motts on 21 Dec 2002 16:22:32 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnty Lyons Posted December 21, 2002 Share Posted December 21, 2002 Just before you all condem the alternator what about the most obvious thing has anyone thought of checking the fan belt tension???? jj N.I. L7C AO. Membership No.3927. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah S Posted December 21, 2002 Share Posted December 21, 2002 Womble, some very good advice,even though you dont like electrics! Dont worry about getting home for Xmas...I am sure we can tow you up the A1 with the Morris Minor. Get that tickover correctly adjusted. Firebird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah S Posted December 21, 2002 Share Posted December 21, 2002 Womble, some very good advice,even though you dont like electrics! Dont worry about getting home for Xmas...I am sure we can tow you up the A1 with the Morris Minor. Get that tickover correctly adjusted. Firebird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now