Alternator not working? [Resolved]

[Cjscos]

Hi all

Does anyone have a guide to for service mode so I can change my alternator I am getting a regulator code and the alternator is not Charging. I have fixed a broken yellow wire from the positive of the battery to the alternator but still not joy which I believe is part of the smart charging system.

The van will start but will run for a little then stutter and die. New battery put on it. After 20 or so trys it will run but I have to keep it above 2000 revs to keep it going until warm. Then it will idle but when I press the accelerator it will run lumpy until 2000 rev. If I press the heated screen or aircon it will just stall.

The max voltage is 13.4 which is low I believe.

 

[Cjscos]

I have taken the bumper off but not sure where to go from there.

Any help much Appreciated.

Is there a manual I could buy ?

 

[Loz]

What engine code?
Post a picture of your build label from under the steering column.

 

[Loz]

dont worry I found it from your vin on your screenshot

 

[DaveD]

Don't rush to change your alternator until you've established for certain that the alternator is the problem, it sounds like you haven't quite got to that point.

 

[Loz]

I would scan this with a better tool like VCDS, as that code is a bit ambiguous.

However, this is what you asked for.
There are technical downloads available to VIP members.

 

[Cjscos]

I thought it may be a throttle position sensor or accelerator sensor at first

 

[Cjscos]

Thats great thanks

The rac did a scan and all that came back was a regulator sensor. I went through water a month back at night which was around 2ft deep by accident.

It's strange though as there is no battery light on

If it stopped working altogether should it not still run until the battery gets below a certain voltage ?

 

[Loz]

Thats great thanks

The rac did a scan and all that came back was a regulator sensor. I went through water a month back at night which was around 2ft deep by accident.

It's strange though as there is no battery light on

If it stopped working altogether should it not still run until the battery gets below a certain voltage ?

Well yes.
That code could also refer to the oil pressure level and quality sensor on the bottom of the engine, get underneath and check the cabling and the plug for corrosion.

 

[Cjscos]

Pic below

 

[Loz]

The battery regulator is attached to the negative post of the battery, but that won't stop it from running.

 

[Lightrofit]

It would be better to get it scanned properly with better diagnostic equipment such as VCDS (as mentioned above)

13.4v is perfectly fine for a smart Alternator. The Alternator won't put out higher charge without a reason to do so, main one being high load consumers switched on such as HVAC, Headlights, rear demister etc. It will also not put out high charge if the charge is at the float stage, which is just maintaining the battery level. Have you checked what voltage the battery actually is when idle and when off? This could be helpful.

You're still about 10+ steps away from condemning the Alternator. Loads of things can cause fault codes that point to something but it could be the 45 things between.

It could be as simple as a LIN break between the Battery Reg and Alternator. You mention a broken wire between the battery and alternator, was this definitely on the battery positive? As the Batt reg is on the Negative post.

 

[Cjscos]

OK thanks. I will take a look. Yes sorry It was the yellow wire to the negative. The terminals look corroded to the starter and alternator. I disconnected the maf but it was the same just to make sure it was not this. I will check the wiring more tomo and clean all the terminals up.

 

[Cjscos]

Short video I took with the aircon on

 

[Loz]

Check the earth strap between the chassis and the engine for corrosion. (It’s at the Aux belt end)

 

[Cjscos]

Ok

 

[Cjscos]

Checked the straps and cleaned up from the mount to the body. Cleaned the starter and alternator connections but still no luck. The throttle body seems to be working I presume looking at the video above if you click on other videos.

I can not hear the in tank pump . Should it buzz?

when I get it going over 2000 revs it will run.

Voltage is fluctuating from the battery when it's starts so hopefully the alternator is ok.

 

[Cjscos]

I put all back together today and the alternator is working correctly after cleaning the contacts and fixing the broken wire. Now it does not stall when I switch on the aircon heated screens etc and i am getting 14.7v . BUT

it still won't Start correctly and run until I reach 2000 rpm.

No fault codes are coming up on carista so I think it may be fuel related. Now thinking it maybe bad fuel from the truck stop. I will drain the tank and Eliminate that.

 

[DXX]

I put all back together today and the alternator is working correctly after cleaning the contacts and fixing the broken wire. Now it does not stall when I switch on the aircon heated screens etc and i am getting 14.7v . BUT

it still won't Start correctly and run until I reach 2000 rpm.

No fault codes are coming up on carista so I think it may be fuel related. Now thinking it maybe bad fuel from the truck stop. I will drain the tank and Eliminate that.

I can’t see how bad fuel is OK to run the engine over 2000RPM but not under.

 

[Cjscos]

Me neither really....just Trying to eliminate things...