Alternator maybe :/

[Trav Man]

I'm just after another opinion as yesterday the battery light flashed on the dash a couple of times but hasn't done it since.
I'm thinking the alternator is on it's way out but not sure can you help maybe??
By the way it's a VX Berlina LS1 Auto.

Trav Man

[acarmody]

Take it to an auto sparky or battery seller, they can test both alternator and battery in about 1 minute and most don't charge.

[PRAVX II S]

If you have a multimeter you can check the voltage output from the alternator.
It should read between 13-14 volts. Also check the charge with a electrical load so turn the lights on and AC, wipers the voltage should be between 13-14 volts still. Also inspect the thick power cable from the battery to alternator make sure there is a tight connection on the alternator
It sound like a intermittent fault.

[gungazza]

ihave had the same prob might only do it onece a month

[Mick1988]

Pfft you don't need a multimeter. Put your key in the ignition but don't turn it. Then press MODE and UP and hold them in. Now start the car and release the buttons. Keep pressing MODE until you get the alternator charge rate. You can keep this reading on as you drive around, simulate normal driving and make sure it stays relatively stable.

[BlackVXGTS]

Sounds like your voltage regulator bushes might be worn. Unfortunately the regulator is not a separate unit like on earlier models so it can't just be easily replaced.

[vs commo]

yeah id be check the main power wire on the back of the alternator is in good shape and not corroded

[acarmody]

Pfft you don't need a multimeter. Put your key in the ignition but don't turn it. Then press MODE and UP and hold them in. Now start the car and release the buttons. Keep pressing MODE until you get the alternator charge rate. You can keep this reading on as you drive around, simulate normal driving and make sure it stays relatively stable.

I have seen up to 1v difference between the dash and a multimeter read at the same time. No idea why, but I would always trust the multimeter.

[wortus]

Sounds like your voltage regulator bushes might be worn. Unfortunately the regulator is not a separate unit like on earlier models so it can't just be easily replaced.

You should be able to buy the brushes seperately and they are fairly easy to solder into the regulator. Just disconnect the battery and then take the regulator out and see how worn the brushes are, if they are any less than 5 to 6mm I'd try and replace them first and see what happens, they are only about $10 a set. Other than that as suggested check the power wire from the alternator and also check to make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

[PRAVX II S]

You should be able to buy the brushes seperately and they are fairly easy to solder into the regulator. Just disconnect the battery and then take the regulator out and see how worn the brushes are, if they are any less than 5 to 6mm I'd try and replace them first and see what happens, they are only about $10 a set. Other than that as suggested check the power wire from the alternator and also check to make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

On the v8 motor the regulator is internal in the alternator its not like the v6s were you can just unscrew them and replace.
So you would need to dismantel the alternator to get to the reg.