348 battery light goes out but no alternator output | FerrariChat
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348 battery light goes out but no alternator output

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jpm1612, May 4, 2013.

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  1. jpm1612

    jpm1612 Rookie

    Jun 20, 2012
    7
    east sussex UK
    #1 jpm1612, May 4, 2013
    Last edited: May 4, 2013
    this was in the 348 specific but I need to answer certain questions from my wife before she lets me dismantle her car !!
    On the way back from the MOT, the battery light came on and the ABS light was flashing. The engine stalled between gear changes my wife caught it on the clutch and managed to limp home by heeling and toeing ( misspent youth). As she managed to keep it running by not letting the revs drop she maintains that the engine was running off the alternator and therefore must be OK( her father wanted a boy so she got the engineering training anyway) After 3 days on the battery charger it started OK but the battery light flickered. Another 3 days on the charger the engine started and the battery light went out immediately but the voltage at the battery was 11.4 (12.5 with engine off)
    Alternator? Battery? something else?
    Oh and thanks to Angelo348tb for the hint on resetting the A/C panel!!
    Where do I get alternator spares in the UK? Is Nippon-dis in Sutton Coldfield UK the place even if they can't spell alternator?
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,840
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #2 Steve Magnusson, May 4, 2013
    The battery warning light going out is no indication that the alternator is OK -- the ONLY reliable function of the battery warning light is to tell the Driver if the alternator drive belt has broken (so they don't keep operating the car until the battery goes flat).
     
  3. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    19,963
    The Cold North
    Full Name:
    Tom
    #3 tbakowsky, May 5, 2013
    The rotor in the alternator is probably shot. Which alternator do you have? There were 3 different ones that went into the 348. Delco, nipandenso 90 amp small body, or the nipandenso 100amp large body. The small body it a rare one to have, but if it is in your car, rebuild it with dodge Durango components, and use the lexus is250 regulator. It bumps the amperage to 117, and does wonders for the electrics when you driving. Everything seems to work "that much" better. Shouldn't cost you any more then 100 bucks.
     
  4. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,614
    The Brickyard
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    The Bad Guy
    #4 ernie, May 5, 2013
    Hey Tom,

    Got a Lexus part number for that regulator you care to share?
     
  5. porphy

    porphy Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 9, 2009
    1,209
    LouisvilleKY/Switzld
    Full Name:
    Randall Gatz
    #5 porphy, May 5, 2013
    +1
     
  6. jpm1612

    jpm1612 Rookie

    Jun 20, 2012
    7
    east sussex UK
    #6 jpm1612, May 19, 2013
    after a removal encouraged and helped by ernie, I took the alternator to a car electrics workshop in Tunbridge Wells who after testing it, stripped it down, found overheating and an open circuit rotor, faulty regulator and rectifiers. They rebuild it completely with the innards from a new one. Fixed 2 days £180 inc tax (gbp).Back on today with 14.4 at the battery. Wife over the moon - full brownie points.
     
  7. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,614
    The Brickyard
    Full Name:
    The Bad Guy
    #7 ernie, May 19, 2013
    Nice work! Glad to know it's all fixed, and thanks for the update.
     

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