Charge & sediment lights on. Bah Humbug!

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 10:52 am

We were planning a little jaunt up to Scotland for a couple of nights. Popped out this morning & noticed both Charge & Sediment lights staying on.

Done a quick search on here & obviously seems to point to an alternator or split charge relay (which I don't have) fault. Bummer.

Could there be just the smallest of chances that this isn't the case, a loose something or blown fuse etc. . . & why both? If its a charging problem, why the sediment light & vice versa??

Was looking forward to The Highlands but don't fancy the view from the RAC truck, again!

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:01 am

Under the fuel filter there's a drain nozzle. Unscrew the serrated cap a couple of turns (looking down from the top you'll turn CLOCKWISE) There's probably water/shoite in there which'll drain out.
Might be worth changing the filter soon.

If that doesn't sort it then it could be a wiring prob.

clogger · Post by **clogger** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:15 am

here mr munkey

try the fuses under the bonnet
happened to me a while ago
charging light sediment light came on headlights high beam did`nt work

turned out to be one of the big fuses under the bonnet
can`t remember which one but there ain`t too many try em all

hope it helps and nowt worse

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 12:22 pm

Cheers Dandy & Clogger - That was exactly the kind of answer I was looking for but sadly no shite in the system, the high beam works & all fuses are fine.

Can't bear the thought of being off the road during the only week off work for the next few months but if its in the hands of the Gods then so be it.

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 2:10 pm

Plan B sounds the likely option.

I don't have a lesuire battery as such but do have the twin winter pack set up. All the same, its a bit too much faffing about.

I think I'll take a couple of days to get a "Man that Can" to get the old boy checked over.

Less tears.

Scotland will still be there next time. . .

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 2:15 pm

MM

Before you start the engine put one of the interior lights on.
Start the engine and watch if the interior light is brighter - if it is then the alternator is charging the battery

Yamaha · Post by **Yamaha** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 2:49 pm

Mike said "My PC hard disk had a serious glitch last night and I fully expect to be computerless (and BF less) any moment now. Why do these things (and toothache) always strike when everywhere is closed"

Don't worry, Mike - we'll get the Mods to add about 50 post to your score PER DAY while your absent!!

Mike

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 2:36 pm

As expected I s'pose. Duff alternator.

Local(ish) auto-electrics place can get one in for tomorrow afternoon at £130. Seems a fair price . . .

Thinking out loud though, I'm wondering if Peglegpete has got round to re-furbing his old one, rather give the money to a worthy cause. . . .

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 2:47 pm

£130 is a belting price... I recall prices of nearly £300 for alternators and starter motors in the early bongo days.... During the war...

Peg leg Pete · Post by **Peg leg Pete** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:48 pm

I have not got round to getting alternator re-furbished yet

what with christmas etc

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:03 pm

With bongo starters and alternators being something of a niche market mike, the likleyhood is that it will be on an exchange basis,as the housings will definitely be shotblasted,re-painted,and re-used.

I used to re-furbish water pumps for BR's diesel/electrics,all the internals were chucked,only the housing were re-used after i stripped em,chemically cleaned them,shot/beadblasted them,then powdercoated em,prior to fitting the refurb kit...

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 3:54 pm

Thought it was too good to be true.

Local boys failed to come up with the goods so I've now settled on this after a fone call which - I'm assured - will be delivered tomorrow morning.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-ALTER ... dZViewItem

So far, at least, I reccommend this chap. Very good service - but lets wait & see. . . . .

Lewy · Post by **Lewy** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 6:46 pm

Bet you already know this but don't forget to disconnect the main battery BEFORE taking off the old one and wiring up your new alternator.

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 8:57 pm

Wish I'd read that 2 hours ago!

Blown main 100amp fuse. That big square blue bugger next to the battery live terminal.

Still - a bit of solder over the top has got me back on the road again.

I think my mate Wayne may have a spare fuse but won't bother him right now for obvious reasons . . .

Short version of the story is - 19 hours after ordering alternator off ebay, my steed is now up, running & healthy.

But can anyone tell me why the sediment light is connected to alternator light?

Can't get my head round that at all . . . . .