Battery Light

[kdkg]

I hate my first post is a mechanical question. I have been a nameless forum watcher for a while. I am Ken in Colorado Springs, CO. I drive a 88 RR daily driver and my wife drives a 90 RR daily driver/family rig with a slight OME lift. We love them, other than the fuel consumption right now. I do know Cole from 4x4ing (for those that are local and know him). I 4x4 in a diesel blazer or a built samurai although I did take the 88 RR up to engineer pass at Silverton twice and even towed a "smaller" rig off the top back to the camp many miles away

My wife’s' 90 RR battery light came on this morning when she shut off the engine.

No key in the ignition - battery light is on. (low battery charge?)

key turn towards ignition and during start up test faze, of the sensors- no light (so sensor is failing?)

During running - no light (Alternator is handling the electronics?)

I checked the belt and the alternator wiring (no problem).

I removed the neg cable from the battery (it dies) and then read my LR RR workshop manual and noted that the "removing a battery cable during engine running wasn't a good option.

I then put a battery charger on the battery and it is charging (so battery charge was low, but the rover starts just fine.)

I don't have a multi-meter, so I am planning on picking up one to check the output of the alternator. I am also planning on using it to randomly checking the charge of the battery to see if there is a discharge. If there is major discharge with it hooked to the rover, I am then planning on unhooking the battery and checking for discharge.

So my question is??? Good plan of action or do any of you have a short cut, similiar experience, or better route for me. I don't want to just buy a "just to be safe" alternator yet due to the cost but buying a new battery might be an option (this one is not new and came with the RR.)

I am not a trained mechanic, but I did stay at a Holiday Express last night.

Other than that, glad to be a member and hope of wheel with some of the local ppl.

[kdkg]

More input for yall's consideration...

Couple of hours since I had it running. With the battery charging this whole time. The alternator is hot to the touch...? That don't seem right...

[kdkg]

Alternator..... Still working but is on the low end of charge. Went ahead and ordered one, but since it is still running maybe I can still drive it until the new "rebuilt" alternator gets here. Will just put a charger on it during the night to make sure.

Battery took a charge and tests out fine.

The light started working like it should. Comes on during the start up and then just doesn't go out.

[choffa@comcast.net]

The alternator has failed. In particular, the output rectifiers (one or more of the three) have shorted to ground (as opposed to failed open). Solutions:

1. Rebuild alternator, parts are available on-line with a bit of searching.
1a. I did this, lasted two years

2. Replace with a rebuilt unit from an on-line vendor.
2a. I did this, went through three alternators in 6 months

3. Replace Lucas alternator with a Bosch 120 amp unit (1993 VW Jetta V6)
3a. I did this, very satisfied. I

Installation is almost bolt in, need to make a 1" spacer for the bottom bolt (3/8" pipe nipple = $1.00), tweak the adjustment arm, drill out the pulley to match the Bosch's shaft. Electrical hook up is simple, need to buy a two pole Bosch fuel injector connector, any good parts house will have them, "fuel injector repair connector".

Well worth the effort, powerful, reliable & easy to get.

CJH

[kdkg]

Hey thanks for the advice. For right now, I am going with option #2 but will keep that option 3 in mind for next time.

Right now it is still running, for the first 2 days I put the charger on it at night, but it really wasn't that low on charge. Battery light says on and gets brighter with rpms and dims out with idle.

Thanks again CJH

[Funrover]

Alright another CO Springs rover.......Howdy I know if worse comes to worse we have a great local shop.. If you know Cole you have already heard of Pikes Peak Rovers....... (719)636-3888 or www.pikespeakrovers.com Although it sounds like you have it figured out.. So when you goin wheeling next?

[kdkg]

Pike Peaks Rover has done some work on my 88 rover.

Gas prices has kept me from wheeling much lately. I last did Saran Wrap a couple of weeks ago.

I mostly wheel my built Samurai, but I will take the ole blazer out some too.

Tought about this weekend, but the wife took it off from work so...

Look forward to wheeling with you Funrover.