Author Topic: Charging issue with headlights on  (Read 2120 times)

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126Simon

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Charging issue with headlights on
« on: October 24, 2018, 07:22:47 PM »
Good evening,

Now that darkness is approaching I'm using my headlights too and from work and my battery keeps going flat.

A reconditioned magnetti marelli alternator was fitted when the engine was rebuilt a few months ago.

The battery was also renewed so is only a few months old and holds its charge well.

I replaced the voltage regulator thinking this might solve the issue however stranger things are happening now.

Before replacing the regulator I tested the car, with headlights off the battery just charging but I could only get a reading of about 13.7v at a fast idle, dropped to 12.1v at idle speed. With headlights on I could not get 13v even at fast idle.

Replaced regulator today, haven't measured voltage yet but having just driven home the charging light is off at idle and stays off when driving if headlights are off however when headlights are on the charging light is out at idle but lights up and gets brighter as rpm increases.

Surely the opposite should be happening?

The only thing I can note is that when the regulator arrived I fitted it and plugged it in and the battery wouldn't charge at all. I checked wiring and the green and red wirein the connector block were opposite to original regulator, I swapped the wires in the block around and get presto battery charges but only when headlights are off!!

Anyone needed to swap wires around like this or have experience of reconditioned alternators?

Cheers Simon



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« Last Edit: October 24, 2018, 07:24:40 PM by 126Simon »

fixit

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Re: Charging issue with headlights on
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2018, 01:39:00 PM »
Hi there
yep seen this, happen the faster the alternator goes the less charge, normally the modern fix is a new alternator.
But
there is a electrical system recharging section and guidance to checking in the bis manual 55,
probably one section in the Haynes manual.
there may be info in the subscribed members section on here re the bis manual.

to me it sounds like the brushes are moving off the contact the faster the alternator spins.
so thinking aloud id be asking?
is the wiring in good order to the alternator
are the brushes worn, or long enough.
are the brushes springs in good order,
are the brushes in the right way and not contaminated
is the contact bright where the brushes run?.

then move onto checking the rotor windings and the diodes
hope this helps.
F





126Simon

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Re: Charging issue with headlights on
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2018, 05:52:14 PM »
Thanks fixit

Tested the alternator output on the unit rather than voltage across battery and still only getting 13v.

Seems like it is the alternator at fault I will have to get another.

Does anyone know if brand new ones are available?

Cheers

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fixit

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Re: Charging issue with headlights on
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2018, 07:57:27 PM »
Hi Simon

just found this from axel gerstl germany many parts including brushes,
https://webshop.fiat500126.com/en/electronics-und-ignition/generator/1

 ricambi in uk
http://www.ricambio.co.uk/index.php?route=product/search&search=126%20alternator

perhaps  Piotross in for sale section may be able to source if you pm a request.

other wise try your nearest motor factor,
regards F

ChrisRLewis

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126Simon

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Re: Charging issue with headlights on
« Reply #5 on: December 19, 2018, 05:56:30 PM »
Sorted the issue it was a diode in the alternator leaking, I had an auto electrician look at it and he came to that conclusion. He told me to be aware of reconditioned units as sometimes the bare minimum is done to them.

All good now with a brand new one on there. Only thing is my bulbs didn't know what hit them on the first drive out I blew three lol!

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ChrisRLewis

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Re: Charging issue with headlights on
« Reply #6 on: December 19, 2018, 06:26:04 PM »
Only thing is my bulbs didn't know what hit them on the first drive out I blew three lol!

That is very strange :o. Have you checked the voltage output?  Seems it maybe too high?

126Simon

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Re: Charging issue with headlights on
« Reply #7 on: December 19, 2018, 07:17:38 PM »
No I haven't but I will check it.

Now I've got a problem with the headlight stalk, only full beam is working unless I push it forwards a bit. One thing after another atm!



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ChrisRLewis

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Re: Charging issue with headlights on
« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2018, 11:07:02 PM »
No I haven't but I will check it.

Now I've got a problem with the headlight stalk, only full beam is working unless I push it forwards a bit. One thing after another atm!



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That could be another symptom of the voltage being to high, burning of the contacts in the switch.