Charge warning lamp on but batt IS charging...

1. jonshepherd L-plater Joined: Nov 2010 Southampton Posts: 62 Mk2 Saxo VTS

   #1 19th September 2012, 20:48

   I have a fairly decent understanding of battery charging systems on cars, just checking to see if this a common fault with Saxos?
   
   My charge warning lamp comes on intermittently and I have checked the charge voltage across the battery whilst the warning lamp is on (~14.00v) so no problem there.
   
   I've checked the wire between the alterntor and the bulkhead that connects to the chrage warning lamp bulb in the instrument cluster and it looks fine as far as I can see.
   
   Another symptom which may help diagnose the problem is that as soon as I indicated in either direction, the lamp will usally go straight out, or even flash with the indicators?? Are the systems somehow linked on a fuse / relay board?
   
   Cheers
2. DUFC Regular Poster Joined: Jul 2012 Dundee Posts: 488 Looking for 16v furio.

   #2 19th September 2012, 20:52

   Most common issues with battery lamps on saxos are alternator related.
3. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #3 19th September 2012, 21:52

   Either the voltage regulator or the diode pack on the alternator are faulty mate.
4. jonshepherd L-plater Joined: Nov 2010 Southampton Posts: 62 Mk2 Saxo VTS

   #4 21st September 2012, 11:36

   If it was the alternator at fault? Surely it wouldn't be producing a good charge? which it is?
5. user_46658 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2010 Little Mill, South Wales Posts: 7547 Mondeo ST TDCI Saxo VTS

   #5 21st September 2012, 11:43

   Is the lamp on all the time or only whilst "putting your foot down"?
6. arjlilley Newbie Joined: Jan 2012 Cambridgeshire Posts: 3 Mk2 Saxo VTS

   #6 21st September 2012, 12:05

   I have the same problem, but it is only when I "put my foot down"
7. user_46658 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2010 Little Mill, South Wales Posts: 7547 Mondeo ST TDCI Saxo VTS

   #7 21st September 2012, 12:35

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by arjlilley I have the same problem, but it is only when I "put my foot down"

   Alternater for sure with you then, best to get it done now whilst it's still mild out.
8. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #8 21st September 2012, 13:03

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by jonshepherd If it was the alternator at fault? Surely it wouldn't be producing a good charge? which it is?

   Its a sign that the alternator is on its way out,trust me i`ve had it with several cars mate.
9. user_7096 Established Member Joined: Sep 2005 Market Bosworth Posts: 2482 106 XSi 1360cc

   #9 23rd September 2012, 23:48

   Diode pack will be starting to fail.... Mine came on about 6 months ago and battery was getting 13.6v give or take revs then over time the regulator had to work hard to compensate the issue of the diode pack then about 6 weeks ago it died and got a new unit as mine was past refurbishment!! Diode pack, regulator, rectifier and shaft bearing were completely shot!!
   
   Get it done ASAP
10. chinkostu Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2008 The wrong carpark Posts: 5152 Xantia 1.9TD

    #10 24th September 2012, 09:09

    Before you do, check the wire that connects to the top of the alternator. its a shit excuse for a multiplug and breaks like cheap foil, which is exactly whats happened to mine. Did need a new battery a year or so ago, but the light was on regardless of battery status!