What does a flickering battery warning light mean

[wbmkk]

As the title says ..

I've recently got a new battery and this morning the van started without problems.

Normally as soon as I pick up revs. the battery indicator light goes from very bright to off, but this morning, the whole journey there was a feint flickering light.

I decided to return home .. far better the van gets stuck in my drive rather than out and about.

I'm not really mechanically minded, but luckily a friend is a retired motor mechanic /auto electrician and he is always willing to help.

thanks !

[jrt]

It might be the voltage regulator on the alternator needs replacing which is an easy/ quick cheap job to do. Or maybe you have disturbed a wire when swapping the battery.
I would check the output with a multimeter.
All belts tight?
David.

[Aidan]

petrol vans with a cracked alternator bracket can exhibit this fault, worse when being driven

[wbmkk]

Just checked everything with the multimeter

Seems the alternator isn't working .. so that's the next thing to replace

This campervan game is getting expensive

[Oldiebut goodie]

It might be the voltage regulator on the alternator needs replacing which is an easy/ quick cheap job to do. Or maybe you have disturbed a wire when swapping the battery.
I would check the output with a multimeter.
All belts tight?
David.

 

[T3luestar]

As already mentioned, check your regulator. Flickering was my first indication of a fault. Buy cheap, buy twice!

[wbmkk]

It might be the voltage regulator on the alternator needs replacing which is an easy/ quick cheap job to do. Or maybe you have disturbed a wire when swapping the battery.
I would check the output with a multimeter.
All belts tight?
David.

Thanks for your reply.
My mate, who used to own his own garage has checked using the multimeter .. 12.3 V normal .. when engine revving .. 12.8V only.
I'll contact the garage I always use and see what he says .. I have always trusted his advice .. for well over 10 years now.
Regards and HAPPY CHRISTMAS
 

[mioba]

Regulators are 12 quid and 2 screws. The bushes wear (as illustrated) and make inconsistent contact with the coil.

The alternator clearly works as its pushing out V, not the correct V. First point of call is the regulator.

for the want of a nail and all that.

I got an original NOS bosch off ebay for 12 quid.

Topran stuff is pee poor (GSF budget)

[Oldiebut goodie]

make inconsistent contact with the coil.

Try......
make inconsistent contact with the slip rings.
If your brushes are making contact with the coil you are in deep doodah.
 

[jrt]

My flickering light was caused by worn brushes on the coil pack. If I remember correctly they should be 13mm in length.
David.

[mioba]

make inconsistent contact with the coil.

Try......
make inconsistent contact with the slip rings.
If your brushes are making contact with the coil you are in deep doodah.
 

Sakes, thanks officer