Hi all,
The charging warning light started to come on since yesterday morning - it's a bit intermittent that some times it goes off as it should after start up, other times stays on or then it comes back on and off as it pleases (but doesn't rapidly flicker or anything - once on or off, it tends to stay that way for a while)
I did a quick investigation and it charges ok (high 13V - mid/low 14V) when running and the battery is at high 12V with the engine off. The commute of 15km with lights on is no problem and after 8 hours of work, starting it up to go home, again is no issue.
I'm hoping it's some earth issue with the warning lamp (as there are a couple of pre-existing dash lamp problems) but want to make sure it's not the alternator/regulator.
Can anyone help me out with the pinouts for the alternator/regulator plug/wires and any other pointers pls?
I haven't got the hang of the wiring diagram and I'm not sure I ever will...
Cheers
Sam
PS it's the rolling drum type dash board, if it makes any difference.
GSA charging idiot light issue
Moderator: RichardW
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GSA charging idiot light issue
2006 C6 Exclusive 2.7HDi
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
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Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
I would guess (based on my BX problem of a similar nature) the brushes are on the way out. When they failed on my BX many years ago I had similar symptoms. I was able to source a brushes block for around £15.
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
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Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
thanks - do you remember how much of the brush was left compared to the new one?
I wonder if I can stretch it out to last a couple more months as I'm putting it on the market soon...
I wonder if I can stretch it out to last a couple more months as I'm putting it on the market soon...
2006 C6 Exclusive 2.7HDi
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
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- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13745
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
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Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
The brushes were pretty much worn out. The new brushes were quite a bit longer (but we are talking over 10 years ago, so I cannot remember by how much). However, it was quite easy to fit the new brush unit, as access was good (I did not have to take the alternator off the car).
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
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- Joined: 30 Oct 2012, 22:37
- x 66
Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
Also check that is outputting DC only (not AC, which indicates the rectifier is faulty)
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Iain
1x '85 CX GTi Turbo s1 (metallic blue)
2x '85 CX GTi Turbo s2 t1 (metallic silver & grey)
'88 CX GTi Turbo s2 T2 (metallic light blue)
CX DTR T2 Safari (silver)
2x '96 Xantia Activa (Black & metallic green)
'01 C5 2.0 HDi LX Estate (Blue)
Iain
1x '85 CX GTi Turbo s1 (metallic blue)
2x '85 CX GTi Turbo s2 t1 (metallic silver & grey)
'88 CX GTi Turbo s2 T2 (metallic light blue)
CX DTR T2 Safari (silver)
2x '96 Xantia Activa (Black & metallic green)
'01 C5 2.0 HDi LX Estate (Blue)
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Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
Note also that a working dash warning lamp (good bulb and connections) are usually necessary for the alternator produce a stable output. Dash lamp usually has a resistor in parallel with it, so that alternator still functions even if the lamp blows. Not likely to be your problem, if alternator output is good: DC, stable, and about 14.4v.
Chris
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Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
Thanks guys - I'll check if I can get to the brushes without having to remove the alternator... Hopefully the storm dies down this weekend a bit.
2006 C6 Exclusive 2.7HDi
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
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- Posts: 339
- Joined: 07 Sep 2011, 11:03
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Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
ok with the warning lamp on, the voltmeter shows what the alternator/battery is supposed to be doing. ~12.5VDC with motor off, ~14.3VDC with motor running.
Changed to VAC and it showed ~30, not sure what it means but probably not what's it supposed to do?.
Changed to VAC and it showed ~30, not sure what it means but probably not what's it supposed to do?.
2006 C6 Exclusive 2.7HDi
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
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- Forum Admin Team
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Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
Ignore the AC reading, your meter is not designed to read DC with AC superimposed.
I think that it is fairly safe to assume that the problem is with the brushes of regulator in your alternator.
I think that it is fairly safe to assume that the problem is with the brushes of regulator in your alternator.
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Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
ok thanks - looks like I'll have to take the alternator out.
cheers.
cheers.
2006 C6 Exclusive 2.7HDi
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
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- Moderating Team
- Posts: 7445
- Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 12:46
- x 1752
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- Posts: 339
- Joined: 07 Sep 2011, 11:03
- x 5
Re: GSA charging idiot light issue
Is it me or the GSA wiring diagram completely useless?
2006 C6 Exclusive 2.7HDi
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car