R

robsh

New Member
Hi folks here's my first post this forum and I need bit of help...

I got this 2004 D90 with a TDI engine, there was a new battery placed in 2007 when i bought it
my problem starts just two days ago when i couldnt start this baby
heard come rapid clicking sound so i know its missing the amps to crank it
tried to jump it, didnt work, so i took the battery out for a charge, it is then that it works
the battery is dimly lighted when its idle and when i put my foot on the gas, its gone, it works fine after the charge so i thought it might be just the battery then the same thing happened, rapid clicking o the starter
a mechanic who fixes told me that its a problem with the alternator
but i thought it was the battery

what do you guys think?
 
Try putting a volt meter across the terminals when the motor is running; you should see 14.4v or there abouts. If it remains around the 12v mark then the issue is at the charging end and further checks should be done on the wiring leading to the alternator and the alternator (especially the bushes).

Let us know how you get on.
 
measure all the cells specific gravity with a hydrometer to confirm the battery has not got a dud cell lower specific gravity than other cells (providing the battery is not a maintenance free type) fully charged 1.28 depending on temperature all cells should be around 0.25 or less of each other
 
^ the battery is a maintenance free one, its only 3 yrs old

i've checked the voltage when its running idle, 12.8V
so is it a charging problem
how do i check the wiring and the altenator?
i really have no experience at all in fixing cars... please HELP
 
you say its charging on tick over, what is the voltage when running on half throttle it should be approx 13.5 if the voltage is the same as tickover you have a problem with the alternator, i would also check the battery as 3 years depending on how its been used is about the limit on life span,
 
are you saying the ignition warning light is staying on and goes out when you rev the engine if so field diode pack shot on alternator new alternator or replace alternator field diode pack(what the alternator make and type)
 
To put this in easy terms, you need to check the voltage with a meter when there are a few revs on, say 1500 not at idle, you should have something between 13.6v and 14.4v. If you've got that then the alternator seems OK.
now check the viscosity of the battery to see if you have a dead cell, it's often easier to nip to your friendly local accessory shop and get them to test it with a load meter. This puts a load on the battery and will indicate if it's up to it or not.
If the batter then looks OK, your next problem is a power drain, and that's a whole new bag of worms!
 
i am already looking at some of the alternators on ebay
just how hard is it to replace it, i've never done it
can anyone suggest me a good place for the alternator?
 
OK
I checked with my Battery Charger Kit which has a volt meter on it and i got the following results
Idle 12.8V
when i got it on half throttle its 13.5V
so its the alternator working fine?

Ive chacked on other websites and got this page from this forum Alternator diode problem?
the problem there is pretty similar to mine

what the are these bushes ...
 
robsh said:
OK
I checked with my Battery Charger Kit which has a volt meter on it and i got the following results
Idle 12.8V
when i got it on half throttle its 13.5V
so its the alternator working fine?

Ive chacked on other websites and got this page from this forum Alternator diode problem?
the problem there is pretty similar to mine

what the are these bushes ...
Click to expand...

hi,if you are not confident in changing the brushes etc,i would buy a new alternator.this would be a safer bet for you seeing as you live in such a small but very very beautiful island.:D
 
gemsdad said:
hi,if you are not confident in changing the brushes etc,i would buy a new alternator.this would be a safer bet for you seeing as you live in such a small but very very beautiful island.:D
Click to expand...

dunno if one of these alternators are available on this island, yes the island is beautiful, unlike england which should have dreadful weather in september innit mate
 
robsh said:
dunno if one of these alternators are available on this island, yes the island is beautiful, unlike england which should have dreadful weather in september innit mate
Click to expand...

yes the weather has just taken a turn for the worse i'm afraid.i spent a wonderful day on your glorious island,i was on a carribean cruise but only got the one day on aruba.if you cannot get something sorted over your alt get back to me and i will see if i can help you out in any way.:);)
 
ok got the D90 sent to a garage to fix plus some maintenance done
now according to the mechanic:
fuse on one of the diode on the diode plate has failed so caused the regulator be burned
replaced the diode plate and regulator
it cost me about USD 220 to fix this alternator for parts and labour

just got he car back today seems to work fine

does it really cost that much to fix this alternator???
i feel i got ripped off
 
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