Hi Folks,

I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
issue I have.

I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
while engine is running.

I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
wiring and still have the issue.

I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.

Any suggestions to a solution?

Cheers.

M

On Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:54:40 +0100, Mattyb  wrote:

> Hi Folks,
>
> I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
> issue I have.
>
> I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
> while engine is running.
>
> I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
> wiring and still have the issue.
>
> I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
> have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
> 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>
> Any suggestions to a solution?
>
> Cheers.
>
> M


Engine or Battery earth bond?

"Duncan Wood"  wrote in message 
news:op.ugxcalcbhaghkf@lucy...
> On Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:54:40 +0100, Mattyb  wrote:
>
>> Hi Folks,
>>
>> I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
>> issue I have.
>>
>> I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
>> while engine is running.
>>
>> I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
>> wiring and still have the issue.
>>
>> I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
>> have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
>> 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>>
>> Any suggestions to a solution?
>>
>> Cheers.
>>
>> M
>
>
> Engine or Battery earth bond?

That smacks of knackered battery to me...IMHO

JohnR

"Mattyb"  wrote in message 
news:0d94a4d6-8472-4f6a-b52f-33c7f48c2bb2@z66g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
> Hi Folks,
>
> I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
> issue I have.
>
> I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
> while engine is running.
>
> I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
> wiring and still have the issue.
>
> I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
> have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
> 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>
> Any suggestions to a solution?

New alternator.
Sounds like there's a diode failing in the rectifier pack. Alternator output 
voltage is a bit low, which would be concurrent with a failed diode reducing 
the output.

However, first check for any voltage drops between the alternator and 
battery with the alternator under load. If there's no discernable volt drop 
(below 0.5v is usually acceptable under load), then it's most likely an 
alternator issue.
You cold also try wiring up a temporary alternator warning lamp to eliminate 
any faults with the existing warning lamp circuit.

On Sep 4, 12:22 pm, "moray"  wrote:
> "Mattyb"  wrote in message
>
> news:0d94a4d6-8472-4f6a-b52f-33c7f48c2bb2@z66g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > Hi Folks,
>
> > I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
> > issue I have.
>
> > I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
> > while engine is running.
>
> > I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
> > wiring and still have the issue.
>
> > I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
> > have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
> > 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>
> > Any suggestions to a solution?
>
> New alternator.
> Sounds like there's a diode failing in the rectifier pack. Alternator output
> voltage is a bit low, which would be concurrent with a failed diode reducing
> the output.
>
> However, first check for any voltage drops between the alternator and
> battery with the alternator under load. If there's no discernable volt drop
> (below 0.5v is usually acceptable under load), then it's most likely an
> alternator issue.
> You cold also try wiring up a temporary alternator warning lamp to eliminate
> any faults with the existing warning lamp circuit.

Cheers Guys,

Thanks so much for your response and advice.

I had the alternator out again today and inspected the stator as best
as I could, I couldn't remove back plate as it was sealed witha
compound and I didn't want to damage it any more.  It seemed to be ok,
no scorching and all wires I could see appeared sound.


I'm no electrician but I removed the warning lamp connector and the
lamp stayed off without engine on. I guess that means the lamp circuit
is ok. When RPM is increased the lamp dims as i response to more
equalise voltage I assume.

I don't have a voltmeter at present but when I used one on Sat I had a
consistent Bat terminal voltage of around 14v and slightly less under
load.

From what i understand it seem that either the resitor control voltage
input from Battery is lazy hence underestimating the field voltage or
the diode trio to regulator is defective as I have a good field
supply.

As long as I dont overcook battery I'm ok aren't I? Battery seems to
be holding steady 12vs.

Cheers

On Sep 4, 12:22 pm, "moray"  wrote:
> "Mattyb"  wrote in message
>
> news:0d94a4d6-8472-4f6a-b52f-33c7f48c2bb2@z66g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > Hi Folks,
>
> > I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
> > issue I have.
>
> > I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
> > while engine is running.
>
> > I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
> > wiring and still have the issue.
>
> > I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
> > have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
> > 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>
> > Any suggestions to a solution?
>
> New alternator.
> Sounds like there's a diode failing in the rectifier pack. Alternator output
> voltage is a bit low, which would be concurrent with a failed diode reducing
> the output.
>
> However, first check for any voltage drops between the alternator and
> battery with the alternator under load. If there's no discernable volt drop
> (below 0.5v is usually acceptable under load), then it's most likely an
> alternator issue.
> You cold also try wiring up a temporary alternator warning lamp to eliminate
> any faults with the existing warning lamp circuit.

Cheers Guys,

Thanks so much for your response and advice.

I had the alternator out again today and inspected the stator as best
as I could, I couldn't remove back plate as it was sealed witha
compound and I didn't want to damage it any more.  It seemed to be ok,
no scorching and all wires I could see appeared sound.


I'm no electrician but I removed the warning lamp connector and the
lamp stayed off without engine on. I guess that means the lamp circuit
is ok. When RPM is increased the lamp dims as i response to more
equalise voltage I assume.

I don't have a voltmeter at present but when I used one on Sat I had a
consistent Bat terminal voltage of around 14v and slightly less under
load.

From what i understand it seem that either the resitor control voltage
input from Battery is lazy hence underestimating the field voltage or
the diode trio to regulator is defective as I have a good field
supply.

As long as I dont overcook battery I'm ok aren't I? Battery seems to
be holding steady 12vs.

Cheers

> Cheers Guys,
>
> Thanks so much for your response and advice.
>
> I had the alternator out again today and inspected the stator as best
> as I could, I couldn't remove back plate as it was sealed witha
> compound and I didn't want to damage it any more.  It seemed to be ok,
> no scorching and all wires I could see appeared sound.
>
>
> I'm no electrician but I removed the warning lamp connector and the
> lamp stayed off without engine on.

Given you've disconnected it you'd expect that

> I guess that means the lamp circuit
> is ok. When RPM is increased the lamp dims as i response to more
> equalise voltage I assume.
>

That's brushes or diodes then


> I don't have a voltmeter at present but when I used one on Sat I had a
> consistent Bat terminal voltage of around 14v and slightly less under
> load.
>
> From what i understand it seem that either the resitor control voltage
> input from Battery is lazy hence underestimating the field voltage or
> the diode trio to regulator is defective as I have a good field
> supply.
>
> As long as I dont overcook battery I'm ok aren't I? Battery seems to
> be holding steady 12vs.
>
> Cheers

The alternator will cook itself if the diodes gone short.

On Sep 3, 5:54 pm, Mattyb  wrote:
> Hi Folks,
>
> I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
> issue I have.
>
> I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
> while engine is running.
>
> I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
> wiring and still have the issue.
>
> I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
> have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
> 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>
> Any suggestions to a solution?
>

ebay an alternator FFS and test it !

On Sep 4, 11:22 pm, mr p  wrote:
> On Sep 3, 5:54 pm, Mattyb  wrote:
>
>
>
> > Hi Folks,
>
> > I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
> > issue I have.
>
> > I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
> > while engine is running.
>
> > I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
> > wiring and still have the issue.
>
> > I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
> > have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
> > 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>
> > Any suggestions to a solution?
>
> ebay an alternator FFS and test it !

Yeah, Duncan it was suggested, by an auto-electrician, to disconnect
warning lamp lead to eliminate any possibility  of a short from
another circuit on the inst panel illuminating the light.  Thanks for
the no-brainer though I would never had guessed what you were alluding
to, as if!

Thanks for comments

On Sep 4, 11:22 pm, mr p  wrote:
> On Sep 3, 5:54 pm, Mattyb  wrote:
>
>
>
> > Hi Folks,
>
> > I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
> > issue I have.
>
> > I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
> > while engine is running.
>
> > I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
> > wiring and still have the issue.
>
> > I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
> > have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
> > 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>
> > Any suggestions to a solution?
>
> ebay an alternator FFS and test it !

Oh yeah i have a new regulator brush assembly.

On Sep 4, 11:22 pm, mr p  wrote:
> On Sep 3, 5:54 pm, Mattyb  wrote:
>
>
>
> > Hi Folks,
>
> > I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
> > issue I have.
>
> > I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
> > while engine is running.
>
> > I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
> > wiring and still have the issue.
>
> > I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
> > have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
> > 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>
> > Any suggestions to a solution?
>
> ebay an alternator FFS and test it !

Oh yeah i have a new regulator brush assembly.

"Duncan Wood"  wrote in message 
news:op.ugxcalcbhaghkf@lucy...
> On Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:54:40 +0100, Mattyb  wrote:
>
>> Hi Folks,
>>
>> I have a P10 Nissan Primera and would like any pointers on a charging
>> issue I have.
>>
>> I have an intermittent flashing battery/charging light that comes on
>> while engine is running.
>>
>> I have inspected the belt tension, replaced brushes/regulator and
>> wiring and still have the issue.
>>
>> I'm currently charging the battery, although I suspect it's ok, and
>> have put a voltmeter across Bat terminals and get a reading of between
>> 14.1v and 13.5 under load and at fast idle.
>>
>> Any suggestions to a solution?

By those voltages you mentioned, I would say the car is charging ok. On a 
good battery it should eventually get to 14.4 volts, but only over a few 
hours charging. The best test to see how well its holding charge, is to 
remove the battery, fully charge it on a modern elctronic charger and then 
leave it few days and check its voltage. If its around 12.7 volts its good. 
12.3 or less and its in bad condition and needs replacing. If it doesn't 
read 12.7 volts after its been allowed to settle for a day or so after a 
full charge, then it needs replacing.

Graham