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zorba128 · Alfa Arna Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 11

Hello

AR33 1.4 IE '91.

Yesterday, during my trip, I've noticed that battery charge warning light glows weakly (unnoticeable in the daylight - it catched my eye when I was in a tunnel). Later on I've observed:
- with engine off, and the key on, the battery charging warning light doesn't shine anymore (while it should)
- battery was not being charged (after an hour of driving with lights on, starter has noticeable problem with starting motor).

What (and where to look for it...) should I check?
- alternator (itself/diodes/regulator),
- relays?
- connections? (I'm not really sure how the warning light works - but I think when excitation voltage is reaching alternator - it should shine when there is a problem).

any tips appreciated.

greetings
marcin
_________________
Marcin Kielar
AR 33 1.4

Scott Sander · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:39 pm Post subject:

Batteries don't last forever. Try changing the battery, than suspecting some other more deeper problem.
_________________
Scott Sander
'91 Alfa 33 Boxer 16V Monza - Awesome
http://www.sanderfamily.com

zorba128 · Alfa Arna Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 11

Hi

I don't think thats battery problem - it's quite new (1.5 years old). I've measured battery voltage - for sure the charging doesn't work.
_________________
Marcin Kielar
AR 33 1.4

zorba128 · Alfa Arna Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 11

I've dismounted alternator - it seems one of brushes is quite worn. I'll try to replace them with similar ones (brushes are Cu type I think); hope it helps.

greetings,
marcin
_________________
Marcin Kielar
AR 33 1.4

stedee · Alfa 33 Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 364 Location: brighouse

i would clean up all the connectors 1st to see if that helps.
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brum brum

bobbber · Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 12:39 pm Post subject:

Steve and Scott are right....

Connectors/wires/earths/battery etc...

THEN suspect something else.

How many times have I done a Homer Simpson "DOH" - changing out hundreds of parts when it's only a corroded connector! Embarassed

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 12:29 pm Post subject:

Hello everyone,

I also got this problem with the charging light on the dashboard noticed only at night but it is there. My mechanic said not to worry about but I do not want to drain out my battery (just a year old) due to a bad charging of the system.

I think that changing the regulator's brushes will be the right treatment but I would like to try first cleaning the earths (it would a good maintenance tip anyway)!!!

Where and how many are the earths? Can somebody point them out to me (to be on the safe side) or at least give a hint where to look at in order to find them myself ie. a manual or a another site etc...

Thanks in advance
_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

stedee · Alfa 33 Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 364 Location: brighouse

i think most of the earths go on to the solenoid
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brum brum

Dr A. 33 1.5IE · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 1:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks Stedee for your quick answer...

The solenoid, meaning ....

thanks once again...
_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

gritsop · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Earth locations are:

left side front suspension top. Two threads welded on the car body that earth the A/C harness, fog lights etc.

Bulkhead: Since there are slight differences between LHD & RHD follow the negative lead from the battery (it is a twin lead) and you will find one end reaching the bulkhead and the other end reaching the starter motor. Stee dee means the solenoid of the starter. It is the device that engages the starter gear to the flywheel; there are a lot of negative connections there and it is good to have them brushed and cleaned.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

DrD · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 9:27 pm Post subject: Earth Leads

OK
Follow your Battery Negative - there is one.
But the ones you will be most concerned about are the bundle of connections
directly right and above the starter motor - middle right engine rear!
But check your connections on the charge circuit
- for example the alternator lead may be loose at back of the unit
or it may be as simple as loose alternator drive belt (hopefully).

- Person with was running but now bundle of 16V SW 3 QV parts