alternator sanity check please

[vauxsqueeks]

Hi,
I have had previously worked on an Astra van ( g. ) 54 plate. I noted that the alternator. Was only making 12.75v at the battery.. Suggested to the owner that it needed changing soon.

They called up yesterday saying the lights went dim and it stopped. So picked up an alternator today and fitted. This was a genuine Vx part, only to find no output. Battery was less than 11v with the engine Running.

I disconnected the power feed from the alternator to rule out a battery issue and started the Car.. Alternator was outputting. 0.2v on the positive connector bolt.

Earth to the engine from the alternator passes continuity tests, do i assume the alternator is a dud?

I just don't want to fit another one to find the same issue, but am sure its not something Silly......?.

[gregster]

[vauxsqueeks]

Wow, ok ill check that, the light had been flickering for a day or to before it was just on and then the car stopped.
This would appear to signify its lead up and subsequent failure of the old unit.


Now. When replacing the alternator I saw that the "dash" feed wire had a bad connection/broken so had not reconnected it fully whilst testing.

I just thought it was the dash indicator.. Not realising it was more involved and would stop the unit charging the battery.

Good find/explanation!

[gregster]

Did you get it sorted mate?

[vauxsqueeks]

Hi Greg..

I owe you a excellent advice/post. The wire was broken to the alternator, so soldered & Shrinkwrapped. Fired it up and saw 13v at the battery. 14v at the odb connector. There was output!

However odb now reporting.?

P0560 - System Voltage
P0110 - intake air temperature circuit
P0100 - mass or volume air flow circuit

Also the turbo does not seem to give any boost.

Would this equate to limp Mode?

Couldn't seem to clear the codes either.
Now pulling hair again!

[vauxsqueeks]

Just as a test, i swapped out the battery.. No joy.

Left it last night , drivable at least.. But in limp mode :-/ ( i assume as there was no zip when driving )

This morning no change, however after driving for a bit more the EML went out and all power restored.

Not sure i can apply any logic to it but happy its all sorted.

Thanks Greg

[gregster]

Cool...glad its sorted