2004 360 Alternator light on | FerrariChat

2004 360 Alternator light on

Discussion in '360/430' started by kv308wrench, Oct 24, 2017.

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  1. kv308wrench

    kv308wrench Rookie

    Aug 7, 2012
    9
    Little Rock AR
    Full Name:
    Keith Vardaman
    I had a friend come in with a bad alternator not charging I removed the alternator had it rebuilt and no change Had a second one rebuilt same thing ! Is it the voltage regulators or what Please help if you have ever had this problem
     
  2. mello

    mello F1 Veteran
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    Jul 12, 2013
    5,042
    CA Bay Area
    Full Name:
    Steve
    Make sure that the voltage sense wire is connected on the positive battery terminal.
     
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  3. mello

    mello F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 12, 2013
    5,042
    CA Bay Area
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    Steve
    ...there is also an inline fuse on the voltage sense wire.
     
  4. rugby

    rugby Formula Junior

    Apr 10, 2015
    364
    Atlanta
    Was the rebuilt alternator bench-tested under load? The alternator has to be tested under load because if any of the rectifier diodes are blown, it might show good voltage, but sag under load.

    The main alternator connection is a known failure point in the 360. Does the main lug and wiring at the alternator show any sign of corrosion, fraying, or insulation/cable damage? Does the ground connection look clean?

    What voltage is the alternator putting out with the engine running as measured at the battery terminals?

    If anything less than 13.8 volts at the battery terminals, check the voltage at the positive terminal behind the driver's seat. If it's the same as at the battery, the alternator is probably defective. Could be a bad regulator, blown rectifier diodes, worn brushes, or damaged windings.

    If it's showing more than 15 volts, check the battery voltage sense wire/fuse.
     
  5. stevecomp

    stevecomp Formula Junior

    Mar 1, 2013
    743
    South Australia
    Full Name:
    Steve
    Check that all earths are clean also
     
  6. MD355

    MD355 Formula Junior

    Mar 8, 2004
    798
    Athens, Greece
    Full Name:
    MD
    I had the same problem with my 2002 Modena 360 manual gearbox !!

    I drove 580 km (about 400 miles) to a Ferrari club track event in speeds in excess of 230 km/h (about 140 mph) and the alternator light came on...
    Later the light came out...
    I drove 2 sessions of 4 laps at the race track and the alternation light came on and stayed on...

    There were 2 Ferrari mechanics that checked my car and told me about the alternator problem..

    They told that "if you try to drive your car back home, you won't make it past 5 km / 10 minutes... Your car will die !!"

    So they rushed to their shop and found a used Ferrari alternator...

    First they said that it is usually the regulator circuit that goes bad due to heat..

    So they replaced that, the light came out, but they measured the voltage and it was still low , just 12.8 V instead of normal of 13.8 V or above...

    So at the pits of the race track, they replaced the alternator and voila, it worked just fine !! 14.2 V and everything fine !!

    I drove back home no problem !!

    So, if you cannot rebuilt it, just buy a new one !!
     
  7. slracing

    slracing Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 13, 2011
    427
    Europe
    Had my battery light appear when tracking my 360 the other day...only when pushing it at the end of the straights it seems. After owning the car for 6-7 years now I am on my 3 alternator!!!!( last one I changed) Yes all the common faults like ground points etc have been checked each time- and no signs of failure there. Battery new 6 weeks ago and car always on the tender when not in use. Appreciate your input...thanx.
     
  8. G. Pepper

    G. Pepper Three Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 15, 2012
    34,010
    Texas/Colorado
    Full Name:
    George Pepper
    Oh goodie, another weak link to learn about. Proceed. :)
     
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  9. hessank

    hessank Formula 3
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    Aug 8, 2005
    1,746
    Canada, Florida
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    Fred
    Steve, are you referring to Fuse #74 (for my own education)?
     
  10. mello

    mello F1 Veteran
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    Jul 12, 2013
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    Steve
  11. hessank

    hessank Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 8, 2005
    1,746
    Canada, Florida
    Full Name:
    Fred
    Thanks. I have to write this down because recently I'm forgetting a lot of stuff.
     
  12. slracing

    slracing Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 13, 2011
    427
    Europe
    ....got my alternator out- had it tested- no problemo- now the search for solutions continues.
     
  13. Dannytestarossa

    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 13, 2017
    34
    key west Florida
    Full Name:
    Daniel A Coll
    hi can you tell me where is the fuse for the exciter wire
     
  14. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
    11,550
    Sydney
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    Ian Riddell
    The only fuse for the alternator is near the battery

    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Alternator harness plug viewed from contact side (not wire side)

    I couldn't find any photos of the fuse.
     
  15. Dannytestarossa

    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 13, 2017
    34
    key west Florida
    Full Name:
    Daniel A Coll
    the relay that excites the alternator (behind drivers seat) only has power while cranking, there is no other terminal in this relay 90 that would energize the alternator. any suggestions? Thank you ahead of time
     
  16. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
    11,550
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    Check your Owners Manual for the correct relay. The relay number varies from car to car. Possibly relay 85 on earlier cars (or Euro cars?).

    Whatever the car, it's located here (shown in red)

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  17. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    11,550
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    Here's a wiring diagram which may help

    https://www.dropbox.com/t/LMQwdv956zgLdMS8

    The alternater is at the bottom of the page marked "28S 27S"

    If possible, check for 12volts at the alternator on pin 3 (ignition off) and 12 volts at on pin 2 (ignition on).
     
  18. Dannytestarossa

    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 13, 2017
    34
    key west Florida
    Full Name:
    Daniel A Coll
    Thank you my friend!
     

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