Charging light takes a while to go out

hogweed · 29th March 2019, 15:20

Just today, twice when I’ve started the car and driven off, the charging light has stayed on for maybe 15-30 seconds, then gone out.

Any ideas please? Battery voltage with ignition off is 12.62; 14.65 across the terminals with the engine at about 3000rpm.

Thanks

hogweed · 1st April 2019, 16:29

Then I remembered you could measure the voltage using the IPK, and it sits about 11.6V after starting – even if you rev it – then after 20 secs or so, it rises up to a more normal 14.6V.

I'm guessing my alternator’s on the way out now too (was replaced about 6 years ago, but there you go), as I get a CHARGE FAULT warning for maybe 20 seconds after I start it.

Still charging OK after the 20 second delay though, so hopefully it won't leave me sitting somewhere till I can get it fixed...

COLVERT · 1st April 2019, 21:44

Do it very soon and get away with just replacing the brushes otherwise----

---New alternator.-------

hogweed · 1st April 2019, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by COLVERT

Do it very soon and get away with just replacing the brushes otherwise----

---New alternator.-------

Bearing in mind the burning smell earlier tonight, may be too late for that

my mechanic probably has a used one or two lying about, maybe could get him to replace the brushes on one of them and fit it... we'll see...

29th March 2019, 15:20	#1
hogweed I really should get out more....... Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Norn Iron Posts: 2,958 Thanks: 942 Thanked 378 Times in 297 Posts	Charging light takes a while to go out Just today, twice when I’ve started the car and driven off, the charging light has stayed on for maybe 15-30 seconds, then gone out. Any ideas please? Battery voltage with ignition off is 12.62; 14.65 across the terminals with the engine at about 3000rpm. Thanks __________________ Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes.

1st April 2019, 16:29	#2
hogweed I really should get out more....... Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Norn Iron Posts: 2,958 Thanks: 942 Thanked 378 Times in 297 Posts	Then I remembered you could measure the voltage using the IPK, and it sits about 11.6V after starting – even if you rev it – then after 20 secs or so, it rises up to a more normal 14.6V. I'm guessing my alternator’s on the way out now too (was replaced about 6 years ago, but there you go), as I get a CHARGE FAULT warning for maybe 20 seconds after I start it. Still charging OK after the 20 second delay though, so hopefully it won't leave me sitting somewhere till I can get it fixed... __________________ Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes.

1st April 2019, 21:44	#3
COLVERT This is my second home R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France/or Devon. Posts: 14,003 Thanks: 3,851 Thanked 2,167 Times in 1,816 Posts	Do it very soon and get away with just replacing the brushes otherwise-------New alternator.-------