Electrical problems. I need some help

[Rossbx]

Hi all, I have an electrical problem in my VP V6 that is driving me mad and I need some advice to help sort it out. For a while now i has had an intermittant problem of spiking the output volts. When it does it, the wipers on low speed go that fast they just about launch off the windscreen and the headlights and dash lights go really bright. Sometimes it will only last for a couple of minutes other times it stays on for ages. It did its trick last night, only this time it was worse than it has ever been. It was spiking for about 30 seconds and then down below normal and then spike up high again. All the time this was happening, the alternator light was glowing really dull.
I have had a new battery and terminals fitted about 3 months ago and the alternator was reconditioned about 4 years ago and has only done about 10K since. I checked the output terminal wire at the back of the alternator to see if it was burned at all but it was fine.
I went out to start it before and the battery is as dead as a door nail; there is not even enough power in it to light up the dash lights, which means another new battery

Any suggestions on what else to check before I get the shotgun out?

Thanks in advance,

Ross

[wildss]

try a second hand altenator

[jules]

voltage regulator?

[wildss]

yeah maybe but i reckon something inside the alt is fkd

[jakbob]

I went out to start it before and the battery is as dead as a door nail; there is not even enough power in it to light up the dash lights, which means another new battery

Any suggestions on what else to check before I get the shotgun out?

Thanks in advance,

Ross

If the battery is only 3 months old theres no way you should need a new one even if it is dead flat. Just give it a good charge and it should be fine. And it definitely sounds like the voltage regulator is stuffed. I know on my car that means a quick trip down to repco for a new one, and about 5 minutes to install, but I'm sure how the regulator is set up on later model cars like yours.

[Rossbx]

Thanks everyone, I had a suspicion that the alt may be stuffed so I will be replacing it.
I got a new battery this morning and the guy is going to charge the old one up for me and test it. If it tests out ok I will at least have a spare battery.
I will let you all know the outcome with the new alt.

Cheers,
Ross

[wildss]

dont leave your charged battery on concrete/metal.

place it on a piece of wood so it dosent lose charge

[_R_J_K_]

You might want to post in the right section next time, as more people that have had these problems are more likely to see.

Good luck.

[nemesis_adrasteia]

i had a simialr problem in my VR voltae reg was stuffed boiled my barrery dry check your voltage reg before you install new battery

[coolvxss]

It will be the voltage reg. The more revs you do, the more voltage the alternator till produce. You could prob run a 240 volt tv off your alternator if you reved it at right revs without the volt reg, but then again, it wouldnt be 50hz anymore. prob over a 1000hz haha

[Jared91]

just drive it at night wen its raining

[Rossbx]

You might want to post in the right section next time, as more people that have had these problems are more likely to see.

Good luck.

Note taken. Thanks R_J_K
I will do the right thing next time OK

[Rossbx]

Well I have had the new Alternator fitted by a Mechanic friend of mine this afternoon. The car is running really sweet now as compared to what it was like with the old Alternator. Voltage is stable at 14.0 Volts and 13.8 Volts with headlights on high beam. The new Alternator is an aftermarket job but still very good. Reatail price for those interested is $226 but I got it for trade price of $175. It is brand new and comes with 2 years warranty

I am now fairly certain that the problem has been fixed because the Battery light on the dash is now buring at full brightness before cranking the engine and goes out just prior to the engine starting and running. Meaning that the alt has started charging very early which is a good thing.
Before this I had to leave the ignition on until the stereo came on before cranking the engine. If I didn't do that, the battery light would burn really dull and stay on for anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes or more.

In saying all that I now just want to say thanks to all who posted, your help and comments were very helpful

Cheers,

Ross

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