First ever post...
Hello all, I wonder if one of you could point me in the right direction. The alternator failed on My 2006 Clio Mk3 1.6, which I dutifully replaced with a direct replacement. What a job that was I ended up taking the engine mount off and jacking the engine in order to remove it through the top of the engine bay, but I digress.
Another problem has emerged since I replaced the alternator that is stumping me i.e. the low battery stop light comes on. Prior to the warning there is a periodic drop in the charging voltage when measured across the battery. i.e. it normally charges at 14.4v as you would expect then periodically it drops to incrementally lower levels until no charge comes through. Then following the warning and alarm the charge comes back to the 14.4v levels.
I cannot say the problem didnt exist prior to changing the alternator as there was no charge at all delivered from that one.
Forgive my ignorance but I used to maintain my cars in a simpler age before engine management units when problems revolved around dirty earths and points gaps.. That said there is a two point socket on the alternator to which a plug with a single wire is attached this seems to be providing an erratic low voltage signal to the alternator and I suspect may have something to do with the loss of charge. I have removed this cable and the alternator runs fine charging at a steady 14v. But since it is there for a purpose I would like to get it all ship shape.
I have checked and cleaned the main electrical connections and even removed the UPC(secondary fuse box) to look for any water ingress of which I cannot find any. I also have not found any breakages or blown fuses.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Hello all, I wonder if one of you could point me in the right direction. The alternator failed on My 2006 Clio Mk3 1.6, which I dutifully replaced with a direct replacement. What a job that was I ended up taking the engine mount off and jacking the engine in order to remove it through the top of the engine bay, but I digress.
Another problem has emerged since I replaced the alternator that is stumping me i.e. the low battery stop light comes on. Prior to the warning there is a periodic drop in the charging voltage when measured across the battery. i.e. it normally charges at 14.4v as you would expect then periodically it drops to incrementally lower levels until no charge comes through. Then following the warning and alarm the charge comes back to the 14.4v levels.
I cannot say the problem didnt exist prior to changing the alternator as there was no charge at all delivered from that one.
Forgive my ignorance but I used to maintain my cars in a simpler age before engine management units when problems revolved around dirty earths and points gaps.. That said there is a two point socket on the alternator to which a plug with a single wire is attached this seems to be providing an erratic low voltage signal to the alternator and I suspect may have something to do with the loss of charge. I have removed this cable and the alternator runs fine charging at a steady 14v. But since it is there for a purpose I would like to get it all ship shape.
I have checked and cleaned the main electrical connections and even removed the UPC(secondary fuse box) to look for any water ingress of which I cannot find any. I also have not found any breakages or blown fuses.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
