Indicator speed, alternator or electrical prob

  1. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 12
    #1
    My right indicators started flashing twice faster, left is ok.
    Is anything i can do about it?
    Also i have problems with battery recharge, i tested it, and it seems to alternator brushes is gone, because it gives 12.4 v instead of 13.4 v +.

    My friend told me, that i need to change alternator, but read couple treads on forum, that it can be shortcut. Previously i had problems, it was earthing problem(Got addtitional wire from engine to battery now). Trying to figure, what is the best to do.

    Car is 2001 reg, 1.5 diesel saxo desire.
  2. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 31279 Citroen Saxo VTS, S60 D5
    #2
    Indicator stalk might need changing to sort that first problem

    Its a steering wheel off jobby im afraid (had to do it myself earlier this year).
  3. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 12
    #3
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Prickle View Post
    Indicator stalk might need changing to sort that first problem

    Its a steering wheel off jobby im afraid (had to do it myself earlier this year).
    I thought it myself, cause previously it was problems with switch on properly. Thanks for help.
  4. Frequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Nottingham/South London Posts: 976 Icelandic Grey VTR Mk2
    #4
    not to call you an idiot or anything but have you checked that all your lights are working? as having a bulb out causes the indicator to flash twice as fast...
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  5. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 Dorking,Surrey,M25 J9 Posts: 2616 Static -80mm Peugeot 405
    #5
    I would say that you have a blown bulb, the only reason indicators flash faster is because there's excess current, caused by a blown bulb / knackered wire to a light.

    The reason you'll only be reading 12.4 volts is because the glowplugs continue to heat, even upto 5 mins after starting. These babies draw masses of current/voltage. You should hear your engine speed change once they have turned off.
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  6. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 12
    #6
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Oli-VTR View Post
    not to call you an idiot or anything but have you checked that all your lights are working? as having a bulb out causes the indicator to flash twice as fast...
    Yes, you was right. I notice rear indicator is not flashing, cheked it, but bulb was ok, so twisted it back - and it's all works now)) bulb start flashing and with normal speed))
    Simples, many thanks for advice)) Feel like and happy idiot now)))
  7. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 12
    #7
    Seems like only left to change alternator...)
    1. I fully charge battery at home, installed back 3 times already. is starting the car. if I leave for 1-3 weeks, battery runs flat. God knows why. So 1 thing - alternator, second wires or short cut I suppose.
  8. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 Dorking,Surrey,M25 J9 Posts: 2616 Static -80mm Peugeot 405
    #8
    Or your battery is just old and tired.
  9. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 12
    #9
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by KrisB View Post
    I would say that you have a blown bulb, the only reason indicators flash faster is because there's excess current, caused by a blown bulb / knackered wire to a light.

    The reason you'll only be reading 12.4 volts is because the glowplugs continue to heat, even upto 5 mins after starting. These babies draw masses of current/voltage. You should hear your engine speed change once they have turned off.
    So your advice to wait and check voltage later? I'll try it. Mean while, my experience is, when i drive on the car everyday is ok, but if i left it for some longdays, battery is going flat. Can it be earthing problem or it's shortcut?
  10. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 12
    #10
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by KrisB View Post
    Or your battery is just old and tired.
    I have bought battery in 10/2009, how long they usually live then?
  11. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 Dorking,Surrey,M25 J9 Posts: 2616 Static -80mm Peugeot 405
    #11
    Thats 3 years old...

    What you have to remember is that a good battery will last 5 years, a rubbish one may only last 2 years. Your symptoms suggest that the battery is not holding charge, and i'm not suprised if it's 3 years old and the weather is getting cold now.
  12. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 12
    #12
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by KrisB View Post
    Thats 3 years old...

    What you have to remember is that a good battery will last 5 years, a rubbish one may only last 2 years. Your symptoms suggest that the battery is not holding charge, and i'm not suprised if it's 3 years old and the weather is getting cold now.
    I bought especially designed battery for cold times, but of cause, may be it was damaged couple times, when discharged, and plus 3 years of time... thanks i wll consider to check it and to buy new one now.