Intermittent electrical/alternator issue... any thoughts?

[naterade]

With this latest blast of cold in cowtown, I am again having a strange issue with my van's charging system, similar to last winter.

A few minutes into warming up/driving in cold weather, the electrical/water-in-fuel/AT temp light all start to flicker on slightly (all together). As I increase the load to the electrical system (turn on fog lights, radio, heater) the lights come on brighter, indicating some issue with the electrical load/alternator output. I can also see that the headlights are flickering in the same manner as the dash lights.


However, after 5-10 minutes of this, the warning lights will go out again, and all seems fine. Then, sometimes a bit later, it will happen again.

So, some sort of intermittent problem. The strangest thing though, is why only when it's cold? Never experienced this in the summer months, even under considerable load (big stereo on, full A/C, lights, etc)

Has anyone else experienced this? Should I check for a loose connection or belt? Will temperature really affect the alternator amperage/voltage output? I've never heard of such a thing.

Any insights are appreciated!

Cheers,
Nate

[after oil]

it is possible that moisture is getting in to your electrical connections and freezing/thawing/freezing
definitely check that your belts are tight and your terminals and connections are tight and clean. might be a good idea to spray wd40 to remove moisture

[thedjjack]

Put a volt meter on the battery.

1) voltage with everything off (should be over 12 volts)

2) voltage with glow plugs running (should be over 10.5 volts)

3) voltage cranking (should be over 10 volts)

4) voltage running after start (should be over 13.5 volts)

5) voltage running with all typical accessories (should be over 13.5 volts)


charging you need well over 13volts I think: 1) your alternator is weak 2) you are driving more accessories than alternator output.

Being cold out means you have more power needed to start and lights on, fans on....so I think the alternator is getting weak.

Voltages should confirm

[EricE]

I am getting the same thing on my L400 , Did you ever solve the issue ??

[naterade]

E

I am getting the same thing on my L400 , Did you ever solve the issue ??

No, but things have gotten worse I'm afraid.

Had the 'charging problem' lights on all weekend and definitely there's no charge going to the battery. I have to check all connections and belts again, fingers crossed that it's a simple fix. But I am planning for the worst and looking for a replacement alternator.

[yojimbo]

I had something similar a while back, and when I googled at the time I found references to bearing issues in the alty being the cause, my 3 lights would flickeas I bounced over stuff. Temperature may well be an issue if its bearings I guess. Unless there is something obviously amiss, and for me it rarely is at that would be the cheap outcome, the alternator is at fault in some way.

[92pajero]

Sad but true the alternator might have given up the ghost, when I had my truck oiled last fall my dash lights started to flicker also. My quick fix was spraying the alternator down with Brake Clean, spray inside where the armature and brushes are located see if you can dislodge any particulate that might have built up. Fire it up and see if the lights go out, this might be a temporary fix for you (if its the brushes that are not making contact). Other than that a replacement is due or possibly a rebuild shop see if they can use other parts from similiar alternators to rebuild it.

[mararmeisto]

Any insights are appreciated!

Replace alternator.

[Firesong]

That's what happened when mine went just over a year ago. Lights start flickering
in the dash etc etc. Mine didn't die totally just 'pretty much' had to idle with the lights
off (it was at night) and then go slow home with a flash light... when I got to the city
the street lights were enough and I put my hazards on... just got home.. just.

It was the alternator... weird having all the lights flicker.

I sent you the link showing the Mitsubishi part number cross referenced to the boche
which was what was in mine. 12 Volt 75 amp.

Think small hands when you go to take it out... it's a tight squeeze in there.

FS

[yojimbo]

To make life a lot easier, do an oil and filter change while you are at it.