Bouncing rev ctr needle

[bbilly]

Hi,
The needle on my rev. counter just bounces from 0 to circa 3000 when the engine is idling or revving. According to the mechanic this depends on the fact that the battery was detached. I went to Volvo Penta and they provided the instructions to reprogram it but according to these instructions it should have CODE on the integrated LCD if it needs programming and it hasn't. Is it broken, can it be fixed, what test can I do?

Thanks in advance

Will

<hr width=100% size=1>"Life is too important to take seriously."

 

[oldsaltoz]

The rev counter is powered by the alternator in most cases, so I would start by checking the connections on the back of the alternator.

I hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend.......



<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.

 

[jerryat]

Hi Bbilly!!

Had exactly the same problem and eventually traced it (I think!) to a reaction to the Adverc alternator controller. This seemed to 'surge' occasionally after a long period of motoring and the batteries are fully charged. The flicking stopped after I cleaned all the terminals associated with the alternator and the Adverc, EVEN THOUGH they were apparently spotless.

This assumes you HAVE an alternator controller of course.

Hope this helps

Good sailing!

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[bbilly]

J, No I'haven't got one. It actually bounces from min to max every 4-5 secs. I'm not very eletrically minded, so may I ask you how it is connected to the alternator. 1 or more wires? I have a tester, is this any use in investigating the cause? Do rev. counters breakdown?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Will

<hr width=100% size=1>"I you're too open minded your brains fall out"

 

[jerryat]

Hi bbilly!

Mine, a VDO unit, is connectd by a single wire to the 'W' connection on the Lucas alternator. The back-lighting and hour counter are connected to the bus bars separately.

A surge every 4-5 seconds is a way higher occurence than I had and wouldn't be caused by an alternator controller. I assume that you have checked that the fanbelt isn't slipping at all, especially after the engine has reached it's operating temperature?

Hope this helps

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