Battery Sign & Burning Smell

[Arctic]

Originally Posted by VMax1000

When the car runs, disconnect the battery. Alternator should have enough power to keep the car running and give around 14 V.

A battery that won't charge (or hold charge) will drive an alternator to its maximum output, running very hot and with a burning smell (lacquer on the coils, rectifier diodes)

Had to jump start my car at work last week, got home and noticed the alternator being very hot and smelly. Charged the battery overnight and no problems now. Probably due to the fact that I mostly did small trips lately, in the cold weather, with all electric gadgets on. Drained the battery over a couple of weeks due to lack of sufficient charge and then finally died.

Light didn't come on so in your case it might very well be the alternator

All fine now though

HI Cheers I and Rob put another battery on the car and every time we disconnected the jump leads it would not run the car just died so we came to the conclusion that battery was no good put my original back on and jumped it car ran but the burning smell stated almost right away.

Originally Posted by NigelOBB

Does sound like the alternator as has been said across the battery you should have around 13.7 and anything between 14.2-14.75 when charging.. I would check the battery to..

Battery was a bit low but is only 2yr old and is a bosch with 5yr warranty on it so if it turns out that it will not hold charge i can return



Alternators are quite easy to fix.. The procedure is a bit like that for the fan motor for the brushes and gently clean the commuter with a fine wire brush or wet n dry n a stanley blade to the into the groves. If the bearing has gone your can pick a replacement up at a push from an auto electrician.. Should take about 2 hours when you first do one.. And if it works you have a spare

Will check this out once i have a new one fitted thank you. Arctic.

Originally Posted by ukmoobs

Hi Steve with what you have described with the sweet smell, one of the diodes has more than likely burnt out in your Alternator.

Will also check this cheers

Originally Posted by brgcdti

Just a thought and probably not worth the typing but ATF gives a sweet smell when burnt too ... power steering reservoir been topped up and some spilt on alternator (and anti-freeze too ) ?. Most likely alternator gone bye bye though withe age and mileage ...

Chris

Hi Chris
I have am very careful when topping up any fluids in that area rags and alway use a funnel to top with but thank you for the thought cheers Arctic.