Addz

Just checked the battery on my bros RS Turbo.

It was charging at 11volts - 11.2volts when idling.

When turned off the battery was holding a charge of 11.5volts.

I know Vauxhalls require the battery light on the dash to be working otherwise the alternator wont charge, is this the same with RS Turbos? as the battery light on the dash doesnt light up at all.

Any ideas why its not charging or holding its charge?

Cheers, Addz.

CarlRsT

Yes this is the same its part of the charge circuit!!! Check theres voltage coming from the blue wire off the alternator if not check the bulb (should come on anyhow with the ignition) no voltage alternators fooked i'm on my 3rd in a year

Addz

Ahh i see. Whats the best way to check the voltage on the blue wire?

Connect the voltmeter to the negative battery terminal and to the blue wire on the alternator?

bzd32

hi

your volt readings are to low, your battery should read (without the engine running roughly 12.7volts and with the engine running it should be above that eg @6000rpm 13.5volts or there abouts

that blue wire which goes from the alty to the battery light is an earth to put the light on when the engine is not turning (its earthed via the alty). once the engine is running and the altys charging, that blue wire goes from a earth to a live (due to the alternator charging)which puts your light out.(12v + 12v = no light) if the buld goes or that blue breaks it will still charge. This is alot simplier charging system to the vauxhall one

its the red wires which go from the alty to the starter then the battery are the important ones

check it at the back of the alternator (the red wires) with a multi meter if your not getting over 12volts your altys fooked.

try it and lets as know

DazC

iTrader: (1)

As above, no light no charge.

To test the bulb and circuit down to the alternator, the easiest way is to short the blue wire to earth with the ignition on (engine doesn't need to be running). The bulb should light up. If it does, alternator is fucked. If it doesn't then you need to know if there is 12v (ignition on) on the end of the wire (disconnected from alternator). If there isn't then pop the clocks out and check the bulb. If it's blown ,replace, if not, check there is 12v (ignition on) at one side of the bulb on the printed circuit and also on the blue wire coming off the back of the clocks.

CarlRsT

It doesn't the bulb is need to make the charge circuit!!! Thats come from a Ford mechanic as thats what my prob was !!

gavintwopies

No i'm with him as i had a flat battery while i was putting mine back together i had no clocks plugged in what so ever but had the car on idle to charge the batttery back up and the charge circuit works all the bulb tells you is if the curcuit is working or faulty as the bulb does not earth the circuit as it supplies a +12v down the blue wire to the alternator where it only earths out through the alternator while it is not putting a +12v charge out (ie knackerd or not spinning)

DazC

iTrader: (1)

If there is no battery light then it is not meant to charge....

CarlRsT

Daz I'm with you on this as its the bulb that makes the circuit but hey its a ford when do they dp what there meant to

bzd32

you can throw the bulb away and it with charge (as long as the alty ok that is)

just try it or look at the wiring diagram

the light on this system is a tell tail only and not part of the charging circuit

this is a very basic charging system

ps cheers gavintwopies