Faint Alternator Light

TheCount

TheCount

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I have recently noticed that the red alternator light on the dear old dashboard has been faintly glowing when under way. Also on the last trip the Sterling booster regulator thingy started to flash all of its several lights which indicated that the alternator was putting out too many volts (15.4v to be precise as tested with multimeter.) I assume that as it is an old 35amp car type alternator that the regulator had probably gone kaput. We use a lot of electric, inverter and ensuing kettles /hairdryers etc. but have 3 sizeable truck batteries which seem to cope very well. Any ideas on what causes the red light to glow as this was happening long long before the alternator went dicky? I also assume now is the time to swop the old alt for a bigger ampage one, any recomendations as to how big? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
My guess would be a failing wire or bad connection on the output cable, the juice has nowhere to go in any hurry. Try measuring output voltage at the alernator and again at battery connect and see if there is any difference. Cable and connector are cheaper than the alternator. Be careful upping the amps your wirring may not be man enough for the job!
cheers
Neil
 
Mine glows at night but it took me a while to realise that it wasn't alight. The lens was just picking up the light from other instruments.
 
Mine glowed faint for a time then got brighter .... finally no different engine running or not .... tried all sorts of checks as people offered .... finally took the plunge and put the alternator to a service guy ... blown diodes in the regulation .... I described what happened ... he said - his words " unusual but not unknown .... your regulation instead of going at once must have been failing ...."

Put alternator back on and fantastic ---- better than ever been !!
 
I had the same problem and called sterling the unit was 2 days out of guarantee. very helpful. The cause was a loose connection on the battery, hope your fix is as simple.
 
Thanks Nigel.I think your appraisal fits the symptoms as it has to be the regulator in the back of the Alt that has gone. It did last 25years after all. New (Sorry newish..) alternator here I come. Regards The Count. Thanks to one and all.
 
Check your brushes, when they wear they initially make faint contact and give a dull warning light.
It is also the cheapest option.

Brian
 
Re: Faint Alternator Light - Alternator service ??

Why replace it ...... the alternator services can do wonders at far cheaper than replacement ..... my regulator was repaired for less than 25 quid ....

I would also advise that it was correct for mine ... but as another says - it could be another reason ... so take it to alternator 'doctor' - if it is dud and un-economic - he'll probably have a recon replacement or know where to get one from ....
 
Faint Alt light is caused by a diode in the w/l trio breaking down, easily replaced, removes plastic cover, exsposing the main doide pack you will see a small bridge pach this is the beasty that needs replacing. Or Exchande the alt, the old Lucas No was LRA 100, costs about £40
 
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