Not charging

[Early126]

What should I check to eliminate regulator (and other cheaper fixes) before I buy an alternator.

Voltage is 12.2v across the battery then drops to 11.99 while the car is on tickover with the battery light on. revs don't change the volts.

thanks Dean

[1973/126]

 Dean does your car have a dynamo? They don`t give as much charge as an alternator.
 Not sure what exactly the output should be.
 Also have you checked the tension of the belt?

[Early126]

Hi .
Pretty sure its an alternator. Ive just changed the belt so I will double check the tension.

[Early126]

What should be earthed and where on the engine and alternator?

What main earths should be connected from the loom on the left side of the engine bay (if any?)

[Bolek]

there is an earth cable on the left side of the engine compartment which I believe connects the alternator directly to the frame.

i was troubleshooting similar electrical problem (which turned out to be the voltage regulator) and I remember reading that there is a battery connection through starter - maybe check those wires too to make sure everything is clean and good connection.

if you replace the regulator and same problem probably the alternator though...

[Early126]

Replaced the voltage regulator and the Battery light is still on at tick over but dims at high revs.
Any thoughts / advice appreciated.

Thanks
Dean

[Joe Webb]

could try and fix the alternator, might be cheaper than a replacement.

think I saw some new brushes and whatever else you need on ebay a while ago

[Da Londo]

RPM not too low at tick over?

[Rusty's Uncle]

Worn out brushes ? Easy to check.

[Bar Vitelli]

I agree, sounds exactly like the issue with my car which is also an early 126. I've got some on order so will let you know if it sorts it.

[Early126]

Worn out brushes ? Easy to check.

Are the brushes easily accessible, just pull them out of there sprung holders?
Ta,

[Bar Vitelli]

They are not too hard to get to but I think you have to take the Dynamo out first which is time consuming and may have some stiff bits depending on how well the car has been maintained.

[dadandlad]

First have a look at this link

http://www.howacarworks.com/electrical-systems/testing-a-dynamo-and-checking-output

If the brushes are worn out you will have to remove the dynamo

The dynamo is reasonably easy to remove the hardest part being reaching round rear of engine and undoing the nut in the centre of the fan

[bbrynek]

hi
Fiat 126 has two places where it is necessary to check the connection weight
1. the back of the left side of the engine to the body goes flat without plastic cable guard. Pay attention to the condition of the cable and the connection is not dirty.
2. The front of the car, from the battery to the car body goes short cable may require attention
From my own experience and knowledge of this model fiat I know the dynamo which was installed is not efficient. For this reason, fiat applied alternator. if it is still a dynamo I recommend replacement alternator for easier access to parts
recommend charging to check the meter, it is very simple
To connect the battery meter plus the clamp plus, minus to minus clamp
start the engine and turns at 2000 / min
the meter must indicate 13.7-14.5 V if it is more than 14.6V that is, the voltage regulator is to be replaced.
if it is less than 13.5V to brush exchange

[Early126]

All sorted. New voltage regulator.
Thanks all