Charge Light

[genkin]

Hey guys, for about a week now my 'charge' light has been going on and off while i drive. It may stay off for the first 5 mins, then turns itself on for the rest of the drive. I have put a brand new battery in a few days ago. But the problem was still happenening with the previous battery. I checked the 7.5 charge fuse under the bonnet, thats all fine.

This morning I went to start the car and it took a while to kick over
So the battery is definately getting reduced charge.

I really don't want the alternator to be the problem

What can I check??
* plugs?
* earth and other wires?
* belt tension?
* coil?

Any help appreciated (hope it starts at home time )

[crazy86]

It could be the wiring between the alternator and the battery (check quality of connections and earth connections at each end) but its most likely a worn out alternator or a blown regulator (which is "built in" to the 86 alternator)

[RobertoX]

Yeah, see how the car runs with the battery disconnected, if it really struggles it could be your alternator.

Check for a voltage across earth wires and the battery to alternator wire (it should be low, otherwise there is too much resistance in the conection)

I'd hazard a guess and say you could use most toyota internally regulated alternators? (ie visit a wrecker )

I've had a very similar problem with my 4ac, it turned out to be a bad earth...

[DRFT - 86]

I had a f***ed alternator once........ was about $150 to replace with a reconditioned one...

[Sprinterboy]

Same thing happened with my van, Your alternator is stuffed, buy a new one, or get it reco'd.

[mikes86]

just get it reco'd if you take it out the most they can charge u is around 100bananas, got mine full recod other day and cost me 120$

[NickAE86]

one sure fire way to f*** your alternator if its not already

[JDMJNKY]

try that (if thats the problem i have a 4ac alternator, if there thesame as 4ag, if u want 10 buks 4 a fello sa ae86r).

[RobertoX]

true, battery does act as a cap... but meh, should be ok for a couple of minutes for a test...

nah they are different, 4age has an internally regulated one and the 4ac has an external reg (that square black box on the LHS strut tower)

[genkin]

Turned out to be the alternator...
Had to roll start the car to get home...
Then ran outta power half way home...
Fuel pump died

Anyways, thanks to a few mates for hokking me up last night on such short notice... steve, arch, simon.

I got the parts I needed and finished about an hour ago... midnight.

Seems fine now, no pesky charge light.

Tommorrow will be the test