Charging issues

PDS2272 · Apr 3, 2016

hi guys ,

after finally getting my car back from the engine builders , it now won't hold a charge , the guys that rebuilt my engine have done a great job, but in their own admission they are not experts in electrics.. they have put a new battery , had the alternator rebuilt with a new regulator and repaired a damaged earth strap but the car will still not charge .. any one else had experience of this ?? the forums i have read are talking about new looms !!

wibble · Apr 5, 2016

Something is not right with the work done. Sure all earth straps have good connection and all polarity is correct at alternator and tensioned correctly? If you have a multimeter, you could try some basic tests, otherwise get a auto-electrician involved.

PDS2272 · Apr 8, 2016

thanks for the reply, she is going in on Tuesday to a reputable auto electrician , see what they say

wibble · Apr 9, 2016

Keep us informed of what they find. I would hate to think the loom has burnt out - although I would expect to smell burning and all sorts faults at dashboard.

Pieman7 · Apr 9, 2016

When I left school many moons ago I worked with my uncle as a auto electrician. We used to get faulty alternators in a lot. To see if the alternator is charging we used to simply start the vehicle disconnect the earth side of the battery and put an amp meter in line meaning one side of the amp meter to the negative terminal on the battery and the other side on the terminal. Turn the lights on ,heater ,wipers etc and gradually build up the revs the needle on the amp meter should cover the discharge. Also does the ignition light go completely out or does it stay on but very very dim? They may have also broken a wire with all the movement of replacing the engine fingers crossed they haven't. Keep us informed! When putting the amp meter in line you would have to quite quickly I didn't realise the alarm goes of after about 5seconds when you take the terminals off When I was replacing the battery last week end. Then read about the key being in position 1 before disconnectping.