[Mk2] [Turbo] No charging lights on overrun

[Shaleskin]

Just got back from a drive and noticed that between 2300-3000rpm on overrun, the 3 lights that usually indicate alternator not charging lights up very dim, so dim it starts to flicker but as soon as you accelerate or go below or above said revs the lights go out.

I've had this alternator rebuilt late last year so surely can't be failing already?

Where's a good place to start looking?

[2mad]

Feel bad saying this .. Christmas tree dash lights mean failing alternator .. sorry mate



Ps. just my thoughts



Pps. mine failed so have experience

[Shaleskin]

See, mine also failed due to oil contamination last year october-ish? I know when it did fail the lights lit up, as you say, like a Christmas tree. This is only lighting up, very dimly, like there's a loose connection but on overrun only between 2300-3000rpm.

I feel it can't be failing this quickly already especially where it's still clean/free from oil/dirt. Probably more the case I don't want it to be failing as I've got other things to fix first. haha

I don't know...

[2mad]

Check your connections are free from oxidization .. common starter problem .. best of luck mate .. what a nightmare

[Shaleskin]

Just given the electrical system at the alternator side and battery side a look over. Tighten ALT belt a little as it did screech this morning, connections at ALT side are clean and solid.

Battery side; + clamp, even though it's as tight as it can go you can still spin it on the terminal with a little force. - side is tight as you like and doesn't budge.

Will see how it goes over the next few days.

Cheers 2mad

[2mad]

No worries buddy .. wish i new the right answer .. just trying to help

[Shaleskin]

Just going to bump this.

Have just checked with a multi-meter at idle which is showing 14.80-14.90v's. Now, when idling (1000rpm) all looks OK on the dash.
When you increase the revs to 1200rpm, the 3 lights light up and stay on, go above or below and they disappear.

When actually driving, the lights only light up when you take your foot off the throttle.

Is there any other tests I can do before assuming a dead alternator?

[Shaleskin]

As this was doing my head in I went out and unplugged the oval connector to the alternator. When I did this one of the cables snapped (previous patch up before my ownership). So patched a new cable between the 2 and started the car up- no more lights coming up on the dash.

Consider this fixed

[2mad]

Well done mate