Voltage regulator

[dp bradford]

Does anyone know if there's a voltage regulator separate from the alternator? Reason I ask is that I've just had to have the RAC out to jump-start my Freda as the box of electricity was empty The battery is charging at around 12.7 volts, which is not enough. RAC guy suggested there might be an external one somewhere???

Dave

[2sticks]

All voltage regulation is done within the alternator.

Fault could possibly be belt slippage, otherwise a
new set of diodes or an exchange alternator.

[Peg leg Pete]

When our alternator started to fail, the sediment and battery lights were flashing all the time

[dp bradford]

I had to replace the alternator a couple of months ago - I had the charge and sediment lights come on. The belts aren't slipping, so it looks as though I might be having to have a chat with the folks who sold me the alternator... still, it did come with a 12 month warranty, so hopefully......

In the mean time, I've got the battery on charge overnight and I'll re-measure the charge voltage tomorrow - if I'm lucky the battery might just have been that flat that it was pulling the charge voltage down ...or maybe the battery has reached the end of its useful life It is, after all, the one that came with the van from Japan, and it has been flattened before

Dave

[Peg leg Pete]

Sounds like it could be the battery Dave

[dp bradford]

Sounds like it could be the battery Dave

In a way, I hope so - all right, I don't really want to splash out on a new one, but it will at least be easier than changing the alternator again. I've sprained my wrist today doing the garden, trying to avoid putting any strain on my dodgy left shoulder - now my right wrist is knackered

Still, look on the bright side, and it's a good job I'm not superstitious, the op on my shoulder is scheduled for Friday 13th , then I'll be 100% fighting fit!

Dave

[Peg leg Pete]

Good luck with the op and the battery

[jaylee]

Just a quick one, check to see if yer rear courtesy lights not on.
... though it sounds like battery to me.

[dp bradford]

Well, an update....

Today I've had the battery tested - and it's OK

I've spoken to the alternator supplier - they suggested that this could be caused by the split charge relay. I've disconnected all links to the split charging circuit as suggested, and it still only charges to a maximum of 12.7v. In fact, if there is any draw on the electrical systems (lights, air-con fan, etc) the voltage drops to less than 12v

Tomorrow I'm back on the phone to the supplier

Could really do without this just now

Dave

[Peg leg Pete]

Sorry to hear that it sounds like the alternator is not up to the job, if you need any help, please get in touch

[dp bradford]

Just to update:

I received a replacement alternator and fitted it on Friday. Just had a weekend in the Lake District and happy to report that all's well on the electrical front

Dave

[Peg leg Pete]

Good news Dave

[Simon Jones]

Glad its all sorted. Worth noting that most split charge relays (no voltage-sensing) will tend to result in the charge & sediment light glowing dimly. As long as they dont suddenly become brighter, then its nothing to wory about

[mikeonb4c]

Just to update:

I received a replacement alternator and fitted it on Friday. Just had a weekend in the Lake District and happy to report that all's well on the electrical front

Dave

Good news DP - the supplier accepted there was a problem and replaced it then?

[dp bradford]

Good news DP - the supplier accepted there was a problem and replaced it then?

Well, I wasn't all together happy to do things this way - I had to buy another new one; he'll refund me as soon as he receives the faulty unit - but I felt as though I was over a barrel really. He tells me he's sent out FOC replacement parts before but has to work hard to get people to send back the faulty ones.....

Still, if the refund hits my credit card before the statement date, which it should, then I'm OK with the outcome

Dave