VS Commodore ALTERNATOR does not work in cold weather

[WalterP]

My VS Commodore Wagon drives perfect during the middle of the day, but at 3am, when I go to work, the red battery light comes on, with the lights dimming after a while. Does this seem light it is the alternator, or a problem I have never heard of?

 

[wildfiremaint]

I would say its worn out brushes in the Voltage regulator.
Either replace the regulator ( around $60 ) or replace the brushes
( much cheaper ).

 

[WalterP]

I would say its worn out brushes in the Voltage regulator.
Either replace the regulator ( around $60 ) or replace the brushes
( much cheaper ).

Thanks "Wildfiremaint, post 2913332, member:21015" Sorry for the delay in reply. It turns out it was the alternator. I suspected it. When I checked online the symptoms of a faulty Voltage Regulator, they didn't add up to my symptoms.

The outside temp got down to around 9 degrees (cold for the Gold Coast). As soon as I took off at 0300, the red battery light come on almost instantly, each time I drove to work.

One night I decided to put a blanket over the entire engine under the bonnet before I went to bed. The next day, at 0300, when I went to work, the red light did not come on, till about 2 kms from home. I work only 4 kms from home.

It suggested to me the alternator didn't like the cold. I have replaced the alternator myself, $220, and all is well, no problems.

I would never believe it if you told me put a blanket over it, BUT, it worked.

Thanks for your help!

 

[wildfiremaint]

Hi WalterP.

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you fixed it.