I have a strange problem that is driving me mad.....
It started last week when the battery warning light came on - I assumed a faulty alternetor (8yrs and 90k) so took it to my local man who fitted a new control pack and brushes (Bosch alt.)
After refitting all seemed well for a day, then the light reappeared, as it has been doing intermittently ever since.
The weird thing is, that when the light is not on it is not charging, but when it is on the alternator is charging normally.
Also (and this may be a coincidence) the glow plug relay is failing to disconnect after starting (a clip-on ammeter is showing a 15 amp discharge) and the radio is coming on and off when it wants.
Today I tried a new ignition switch - still no joy. Could it still be a faulty alternator? Could the glow plug relay be a coincidence? (it may have been like this for a while as the dash glowplug light is extinguishing normally)
Any suggestions welcomed!
Hugh
zx electrical problem
Moderator: RichardW
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Hugh - if you have no experience or education in electrics/electronics - I'd say you're much better off trying an automtotive electrics spsecialists garage.
I have a feeling that this is more than simply a bad earth connection.
You should have the function of the alternater checked - in-situ - not out of car.
Note that the plug timer relay may keep the plugs on for up to 30 seconds - way beyond the distinguished glow light. Some of the later XUD's had a temperature compensation built into the plug timing.
Another teaser is a bad battery - or bad connection in the battery pole clamps. Check if the poles and clamps are clean on mating surfaces (clean lead-grey - not black).
"New" batteries - even only 1-2 years old may fail.
I have a feeling that this is more than simply a bad earth connection.
You should have the function of the alternater checked - in-situ - not out of car.
Note that the plug timer relay may keep the plugs on for up to 30 seconds - way beyond the distinguished glow light. Some of the later XUD's had a temperature compensation built into the plug timing.
Another teaser is a bad battery - or bad connection in the battery pole clamps. Check if the poles and clamps are clean on mating surfaces (clean lead-grey - not black).
"New" batteries - even only 1-2 years old may fail.