Generator light on

[cotswoldiver]

Problem solving time -
The 'red' generator light is staying on, it is not in a flickering/glowing mode. Is it likely to be just a loose belt,(it is turning) a dying alternator, or even a dodgy earth - although I have cleaned up the connection which were a little white on the battery?

Battery has taken a charge from a battery charger and it does now start, but light stays on.

Hoping to solve in time to get off up to Bustypes tomorrow afternoon, so all problem solving thoughts welcome!
David

 

[Araon]

Volt meter to hand?

 

[cotswoldiver]

Hi Araon - Alas not. Working away from home so hoping to come up with some ideas/solutions to try when I get home tonight. Mind you if its a useful bit of kit to have in the toolbox will pick one up on the way home

Volt meter to hand?

David

 

[Araon]

very useful and can be got cheaply for the functions you need, ok how tight is the belt ?

10mm deviation from the centre....

check the connections from alternator (or is it a dynamo check the reg connections too) and clean internal or external reg...

if its a dynamo check you brushes

The main concern when you see that red light is the lack of cooling too the engine, so as long as thats working your safe to go in that respect although you'll never know if your belt goes on the journey.

can you get a jump start and does the light go out like this?

 

[Justin & Muttley]

I found this page useful when my wife's genny was playing up last year:

http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/htm/gen.htm

Much easier with a test meter though, Maplins do some good cheap ones - including one with a built in tacho!!

 

[cotswoldiver]

Thanks for that -
another useful bit of kit to add so I know where I'm stopping on the way home!

 

[Araon]

did you manage to find anything out?

 

[cotswoldiver]

Unfortunately not Araon. Didn't get home until late and light was fading and I'm not lucky enough to have a workable garage. With help of a torch and great little lidl led light stick I did manage to find a label on top of the alternator to identify which one has been fitted. Hoping for a quick fix this afternoon when I take it round to my local VW guys, but not holding my breath

did you manage to find anything out?

 

[cotswoldiver]

An update -
Still managed to take the half day off and got home in day light!
Changed the earth lead and cleaned up the connections, she started first time and the generator light stayed off!
Maybe a result

did you manage to find anything out?

 

[Araon]

8) give it a nice run and I take it bustypes is back on then

 

[cotswoldiver]

Just given it a short run - no light reappearing - so. yes Bustypes is back on. probably going to travel up in the morning now though... Thanks for the tips as usual, really appreciated
David

8) give it a nice run and I take it bustypes is back on then

 

[Araon]

Just to confirm the light is lit at first ignition switch position isnt it

 

[cotswoldiver]

Hi Araon
Yes, it was. But as you cab guess from the fact that I'm posting that not all ended well. Set off this morning and all was well until in between Worcester and Kidderminster - light comes on again. Anyway didn't take a chance called the RAC and 2 hours later they confirmed that there is only 12.3 charge going across. So not sure if that is likely to mean a regulator or alternator issue?
David

Just to confirm the light is lit at first ignition switch position isnt it

 

[Araon]

**** sorry to hear that fella, is it an external reg then?

 

[cotswoldiver]

Hey it happens fingers crossed for Camper Jam!!!! - hope the pre Stanford Show workshop does come off, feel pretty helpless at times on even 'basics' The alternator is a Bosch K1 14v 50A with what looks like a model number of 120 400 836 837. I've found an vw old thread else where quoting that same number. The RAC guy came up with the reading. What made it worse today was what appears to be a small oil leak from somewhere dropping on to the exhaust and the fumes/smell entering the bus at times were not pleasant. I've just had new fuel lines fitted throughout so I knew it wasn't likely to be a petrol issue unless a clip had worked loose. Hope to get it sorted next week sometime

**** sorry to hear that fella, is it an external reg then?