Electricity!

[Mighty_zuke]

Hi. My vitara keeps runnig out of electricty. I just fitted a 55amp alternator from E-bay which had the same shape plug as the old one but with another pin in it! Could this be something to do with it, or if anyone else has any other ideas I would love to hear them!

Mike

[Fingers]

What do you mean runnung out?

Is it discharging whilst not in use? Or simply not enough power to run lights/radio/winch?


Have you checked how much its pushing out while running?

[Mighty_zuke]

I can start it with jump leads but within 5 mins it stops with a flat battery! It was a fully charged battery when I put it on but its been stood for 3 weeks and is now too flat to start! I checked the Alternater and it is charging but my ammeter doesn't go high enough to see if its a full charge!

[Fingers]

Whats it pushing out when its running? Should be around 14V.

If its less than that, then the alternator is not pushiing enough. (Was it new/reconditiones/scrap yard?)

Otherwise, sounds like you have a "leak".
Check earth conncetions.
Has anything else ben changed around the same time?

Other than that, youll have to wait till someone who knows the specifics of the alternator you have put on to find out if the extra pin is at fault. Sorry i could not be of more assistance.

Mark

[Mighty_zuke]

Its pushing 14V but the Haynes maual says what amps too! Thats what I cant check properly.

Its an E-Bay special!


I replaced the starter at the same time but that now works, So I assume it must be alright!

Mike

[Fingers]

Just in case, i would check the earth to the starter, and the other cales for that matter, just in case.

Cant hurt to look.

[Evilgoat]

Not sure there is a 55A alternator for the older vits.

40A or 75A I think thats your lot. the 75A drops right in and also has a spare pin, didnt give me any aggro till it toasted after being filled with crud.

Checl all your earths, check the earth strap to the battery and clean it on both ends. Its possible your battery is toast too, if its been mistreated, flattened jumped, run till flat, jumped... it may be damaged.

Checking with an ammeter wont tell you a lot. If the voltage is right its probobly all ok but if you are concerned you should take it to someone who can test it.

Its possible you have a short someplace, if this is the case its sinking arount the max output of the alternator, thats going to produce a hell of a lot of heat and will cause a fire if you arent careful. Also check you are getting a battery warning light when you turn the ignition on. Som alternators use the bulbe to provide the inital 'excitation' current.

[Mighty_zuke]

Thanks Evilgoat

I'll try those bits and see if there is any change!

I dont really want to take it somewhere to be looked at as the bill will be more than the car is worth :)

The alternator says 50/55amp on it! Dunno if that means anything to you.

Mike

[Evilgoat]

Sorry been away moving house and blowing my vit up.

Someone would need to verify it but AFAIK they only came in 40A and 75A variants. Must rebuild my 75 now I have to take the engine out :(