Lights... lights... and more lights... WHY?

[Fishtank]

Before someone jumps down my throat telling me to use the search button... I DID, AND COULDN'T FIND MUCH, hence the creation of this post. Now you can read on, thanks.


For the last little while I've been having the Battery light, Fuel filter light and the A/T temp light illuminate at the same time. At first they would just glow faintly, then they began coming on after I start and would go out after I rev the engine to about 1000 RPM, and most recently they stayed on for a long road trip (3 hours). I have no problems starting, no power issues, no shifting irregularities... nothing out of the ordinary. I did notice that on a few occasions there was a 'click' from the area of the glow plug controller when the lights went out but that is not consistent either...?

I know others have had a problem with the belt drive pulley and had the same lights, mine seems to be fine.

I can understand an issue with the alternator, but it doesn't explain why the Fuel filter light and the A/T temp light comes on as well.

I am going to have my alternator rebuilt by a local shop, it needs done anyways, and see if that changes anything. On this note, is there a way to bump up the amperage output of the alternator, or would this be a whole new alternator?

Thanks in advance to those who provide useful information or ask relevant questions .

To those who post and don't do either of the above... I fart in your general direction .

[Firesong]

Alternator definitely

For some reason (Ive read it here) and with mine that went recently
as the power levels given out by the alternator decrease those
dummy lights glow and pulse. As the rate goes further your headlamps
etc will do the same.

Had mine rebuilt and presto.
Who really knows... gremlins

FS

[Profister]

Alternator definitelyFS

No doubt about it; mine has been replaced because of the same issue.

[TardisDeli]

Yes, the alien pulsating glow of multiple idiot lights is THE CLUE designed by Mitsubishi to tell you yr alternator is dying. When mine went, I did ask about having mine rewound to be a higher amperage, but Mardy and Edwin both said no, can't do it. Cheers, Christine.

[jessef]

Alternator

Those three little lights come on in many vehicles when the Alternator starts dying

[Fishtank]

Thanks for the replies all, to the auto electric shop I go tomorrow.

[mararmeisto]

Alternator

[marsgal42]

Alternator. Measure the voltages and see for yourself.

Gumdrop showed all the usual alternator issues a couple of years ago: glowing lights, weird voltages, obvious battery charging issues (i.e. laboured cranking, the starter sounding like a 6 volt starter from the 1940s). Japanoid rebuilt the alternator, problem solved. The next fall Polar Battery sold me a new set of batteries to replace the originals that had come over on the boat from Japan and had had it.

I'm always amazed at the tiny batteries the planes I fly have, not much bigger than a motorcycle battery. They have to crank a pretty hefty engine (5.3 litres, though with a 7:1 compression ratio). I don't know how they do it.

...laura

[Tadao]

Can the brushes be removed and replaced on these alternators or does it actually have to be rebuilt or replaced?

Thanks,
Mark

[Jensen]

I don't know if anybody has said this already (tee-hee) but it's your alternator AND, get it fixed quick as if it's failing it can take out other electrical components (batteries) as it goes down (I think there was a thread already on the Alternator-Battery death loop of destruction? Help me out Oh wizards of the Message board search button!) My Alternator crapped out within 3 hours of the purchase of my L300, and I've had them go on about 3 other vehicles so I'm getting well acquainted with the 3 red lights!

[Wildtrak]

Yes, alt carbon brushes like other parts are replaceable.

For persistent charging problems consider having it changed. A 110amp 12V alt they use in Hyundai Starex vans will be a good choice.

When having an alt change, it is best that you have your battery condition checked simultaneously because a bad battery can ruin a good alternator and vice versa. For more information, read the thread on "Alternator-battery destruction loop" as Jensen suggested.

Lastly, when you opt for an alt change, you need to have a good auto electrician do it. Apart from installing the charging unit, he will replace the old supply wire using one that has the appropriate resistance so it does not heat up during the charging process. He will check,clean, tighten or replace the earth or ground cables and battery clamps for better conductivity.

Hoping I was able to help.

[Tadao]

yes, thank you! That is very useful information.

thanks again,
mark

[Jensen]

WOW cool! I posted a while back looking for a bigger Alternator that would work. I just took a look at the Starex one online and it looks very similar (vacuum and mounting) does it drop right in? Or do you have to do any modifications?

[FalcoColumbarius]

I say, did anyone mention the alternator?

[Wildtrak]

Hi Jensen,

The 110amp 12V alternator they use in Hyundai Starex vans is a perfect fit for the mounting/bracket of the 4D56T engine in my Delica L300. No alteration was necessary. On top of that, its performance is awesome.