"Check Alternator" Warning

[meteor7]

Hey all,

I was just about home this afternoon and the "Check Alternator" warning popped up. It followed with the battery light coming on and the ABS warning firing. About 5-10 seconds later I lost ALL dash lights, radio, speedo, etc. The battery recently came back as a fail when it was tested even though I've had no problems. I've been meaning to change it! Promise!

I got home, turned the car off and restarted. No problems. The check came back as an OK but about 10 seconds after that the same problem hit.

So... my questions are:

1) Could this just be the battery?
2) Could the battery just be a result of something bigger like a buggered alternator?
3) Is it ok to drive to an auto electrician???

Thanks!

[SAV_117]

check it with a mutli meter the battry while the car is running if its around 13volts that means the alternator is charging and yea

[taztassio]

i used to cop this every month for a while.

its the regulator on the back. replace it and it should be good.

[alchemist]

I've been having this intermittantly for the past 12 months, seems like going over bumps every now and then disturbs something then it goes funny, at night the lights go dim then come alive again then dim then alive then all is good for another month or two.

Now all went dead completely as of yesterday believe it or not, replaced battery and voltage seems to be at 12.20v when running so its not charging, must be a dodgy regulator.. might go bash it a bit maybe that'll wake it up... how much did your regulator cost you? easy to replace??? cheers

[SAV_117]

regulators are easy 2 screws on the back they come out bang new one goes in 2 seconds

[alchemist]

regulators are easy 2 screws on the back they come out bang new one goes in 2 seconds

Thanks mate
Might have to take a looksee tomorrow after work, think the bash plate has to come off, hopefully theres plenty of room to work on it under there, didnt look promising last time I had a look :P

[SAV_117]

just realised u had a V8 lol gd luck haha V6 is ten times easier lol

[CANYONERO]

i thought my Alt died in my VY, when i pulled it out i discovered the B+ wire (alternator to battery) wire was completely cooked for about 30cms from the alternator back. to fix properly you need to replace the loom, but i talked to a auto elec and you can get away with crimping a new section, which is what i did and it fixed the problem. i think loose battery terminals caused it, putting extra strain on the wire.

Thanks mate
Might have to take a looksee tomorrow after work, think the bash plate has to come off, hopefully theres plenty of room to work on it under there, didnt look promising last time I had a look :P

regulator is internal on the GenIII's so its not as easy as a V6 infact i heard a real pain.

you can get the alternator out from the top. i managed. was a struggle but i got there.

[I8.A4.RE]

regulator is internal on the GenIII's so its not as easy as a V6 infact i heard a real pain.

you can get the alternator out from the top. i managed. was a struggle but i got there.

I have this 'CHECK ALT' problem atm with the LS1... Does ^^this mean i have to change the ALT if the REGULATOR is internal...