The voltage as measured between the starter solenoid and ground is as
follows:
Ignition off - 12.6V
Ignition on - 11.5V
Engine idling - approx 14V
Engine at about 2000RPM - approx 17V(!)
All the relevant connections seem OK, so it looks like the alternator
control unit is faulty. It just seems strange that I should have two of them
fail in this way in such quick succession. Anyway, AWM are sending a second
hand one for me to try out so I'll have to see how it goes.
Paul...
----- Original Message -----
From: "js" <frodo4@ix.netcom.com>
To: "Paul Miller" <paul.miller@genie.co.uk>; "Alpines List"
<alpines@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2000 6:22 AM
Subject: Re: (Alternator Control Unit)
> The best way to find out what is going on is to attach a digital
> voltmeter to the battery terminals and watch what is happening.
>
> First - charge the battery, and leave it overnight. The voltage should
> be about 12.5 volts, certainly NOT below 12. There are ways to tell the
> condityion of a bettery with a hydrometer (specific gravity of the acid)
> but the voltmeter test of good enough.
> Next - run the car. With the ammeter showing the fauly, what is the
> voltage on the battery - 14.4 volts or less is OK (the regs are
> probably set to about 14 volts - I'm not sure). If the voltage goes
> above 14.4 as you rev the engine the reg is not regulating correctly.
>
> **DO Make sure that all the wires are good as if the wiring to the reg
> is lose or broken the reg cannot "see" the actual voltage in the system
> , thinks it is lower than it is and can cause over voltage. This is not
> a fault of the regulator.
>
> The ammeter shows what is going into the battery - this will vary
> depending on temperature and battery condition for a given voltage.
>
> John
>
> Paul Miller wrote:
> >
> > Thanks Jan.
> > The battery was in the car when I bought it, so it must be at least 4
years
> > old. It's always worked fine though...
> > How can I tell if it's on its way out?
> > Paul.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "jumpin'jan" <servaij@cris.com>
> > To: "Paul Miller" <paul.miller@genie.co.uk>
> > Cc: "Alpines List" <alpines@autox.team.net>
> > Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2000 5:29 AM
> > Subject: Re:
> >
> > > Paul,
> > > The only thing that registers with me is possibly the battery might be
> > > going. How old is the battery? I would give anything to tour Belgium
in
> > > my Alpine.
> > > Jan
> > >
> > > --
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