Finally a different problem!!! - Alternator on its way out...

[Steamyrotter]

Over the last few weeks have noticed a red light briefly flash on the dash but never caught what it was

Well tonight it told me...

Battery light coming on under acceleration!!!
Volts down to 11.6.

Lift foot and coast slightly then batt light goes off and volts back up to 13.5.....

Was doing that most of the evening (15 miles) then for some stupid reason it seemed to stop it and was OK for about 5 miles!!!

Thinking this might just be a brush problem??  Will have to delve into it a little and see what I can see!!

[X5Sport]

Loose connection on the alternator wires?  Loose wires after the other work you've had done?  Bad regulator?

Richard

[Steamyrotter]

Hi Richard.

Could be.

But knowing this car it is probably something simple like a piston shooting out the side of the engine and cutting through everything!!!!  lol

Cant remember if you can just replace the regulator on these??
Assuming of course i can get one.
Wouldnt hurt to try that first anyway.

Will be delving into it at some point but is a job i am not looking forward to as it is almost impossible to see the alternator let alone get at all the bolts and connections on it!

[X5Sport]

Was hoping it might be that easy as the voltage is right on the overrun, which to me, says it's a simple type issue as the engine will shift slightly between 'loaded' and 'overrun'.

Richard

[Steamyrotter]

Sounds feasable.
the fact it is intermittent was pointing me brushwards as id usually expect the eegulator to terminally fail..

Having said that anything is possible.

Just found a regulator on line and purchased it.
Comes complete with brush gear so kills both birds with the proverbial..

Just need to see if i can change it without removin the alternator.
from first glance if i get the inlet manifold off i should be able to get to it.
But the TIS does say remove Alternator!!