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  • Not sure if I have an alternator problem

    I have an auto 2004 V6 and I’ve notice my Redarc solenoid clicking on and off while driving. I've done some checks with a multimeter but I’m not sure if my results are normal.

    When idling with redarc connected and no accessories switched on both batteries are at 13.5-14v depending on how long it has been running. However when in Drive but stopped (engine at approx 500rpm) with lights, air con & stereo (with 2 amps) the voltage drops to 12.2 and the solenoid disconnects. When i accelerate away the voltage increases and the solenoid reconnects. Is it normal for this sort of load to drop the voltage to 12.2? If i'm in Park the engine revs slightly higher and the voltage stays above 13 with the same load.

    Last night i was parked with my spot lights on. This caused the voltage to drop below 12.5 and the solenoid disconnected. Since the spot lights are connected to the second battery which was now isolated the main battery quickly increased above 13v and reconnected the solenoid. As soon as it reconnected bringing the spot lights back into the circuit the voltage dropped again. This created a cycle with the solenoid switching every 30 seconds.

    So is this normal or is my alternator dodgy? If it is normal will all this connecting and disconnecting damage the battery or the solenoid?

    Thanks,
    Cam

  • #2
    Re: Not sure if I have an alternator problem

    Most alternators are inefficent at low revs, so yes I expect the voltge to drop. How old is your battery?? I wouldn't think the batt voltage would drop that quick. Other thing to check is your battery terminals, if you don't have one of the special brushes fro cleaning them, go to your local auto shop and buy one, they are fantastic, cleans both the post and the terminal (I keep mine in my tool box, mainly to help others). I then smear a thin film of Vasaline on post and inside and out of terminal. Reassemble and recheck. I'm not a fan of the spray on terminal protector, you can't spray it under the terminal and the corrosion creaps up under and inbetween post and terminal, this increases resistance and as you draw current, the on the terminal can be substancially lower that the post.

    Matt
    2003 Prado Grande TD Auto Pearl White

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    • #3
      Re: Not sure if I have an alternator problem

      The starter battery is at least a couple of years old and the aux is about 6 months. I've tried different batteries and gave the terminals a clean and got the same results. I think i will move the spot lights to the starter battery so at least the solenoid will not cycle on and off if i'm stopped with spotlights on.

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      • #4
        Re: Not sure if I have an alternator problem

        Is your solenoid is wired backwards, it should be sensing the voltage of the Main battery not the Aux battery? Unfortunately the secondary will effect the main voltage and therefore effect the solenoid, so hard to tell by the voltages you have given

        Matt
        2003 Prado Grande TD Auto Pearl White

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        • #5
          Re: Not sure if I have an alternator problem

          Solenoid is not backwards but it turns out i did have a bad battery. Monday morning it wouldn't start the car and was at 11.3 volts. I should have used a new battery when i tested this before instead of an old one from my boat. Although i still see voltage drop with the new battery like you expected but it is not as fast and doesn't result in the in the solenoid cycling on and off. Thanks for your help.

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          • #6
            Re: Not sure if I have an alternator problem

            Exactly how mine works. If I do about a minute of idling with lights on the solenoid drops out and drops back in when the engine revs up. The idea is that the alternator only charges the main battery if system voltage is low. I am sure it is normal and I have no problems with the main or Aux batteries maintaining charge.
            Best regards
            Charlie
            Best Regards
            Charlie

            I'm not lazy........I am tremendously efficient!

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