El current high

[Peanut1]

Hey guys

think my old bus is on its last legs! had "EL CURRENT HIGH STOP SAFELY" come up as a warning along with weird things like traction control light, handbrake light, rev counter and speedo going mad and dropping to 0, gears on auto playing about and then all fine for a minute and then doing it again! the warning stays up and red battery light stays on but can still drive ok but im not happy doing that. anyone any ideas?solutions?

[Peanut1]

actually, just googled the old thing and it turns out it could be the voltage regulator on the alternator? anyone else experienced this? where do i get one? how much? seem easyish to fix??

[LeeT5]

actually, just googled the old thing and it turns out it could be the voltage regulator on the alternator? anyone else experienced this? where do i get one? how much? seem easyish to fix??

Well done mate on diagnosing fault. Sounds like your alternator was overcharging!? You could replace just the regulator but you'd need to locate one first from a specialist. The only problem as far as can see is that to do the job you'll need to disconnect battery and then remove Alternator from car. If you gonna do that, you may aswell replace the whole unit with a new reconditioned one which will of course come with a brand new regulator. Sod's law says that if you just replace the regulator then a few months later it will be back off again cos the brushes packed up or the bearing failed!

I know what i'd rather do :wink:

Try main dealer first then get prices from motor factors. Last time i checked the dealer were cheaper! make sure you get the right amperage unit for your car. Do not drive the car as you may cook your battery and fry electrics and risk damaging ecu's.

[LeeT5]

Error in post - deleted.

[Peanut1]

Cheers lee. Spoke to my old Mark and decided best to get a second hand complete alternator and fix that way rather than messing around. Just want that fixed now as rad done, steering noise sorted, gearbox as good as now and full MOT and 6 months tax and will be selling her. If you know anyone, and i dont want silly money as i know she isnt perfect!

[Peanut1]

it might actually just be the battery!!! fingers crossed and will find out tomorrow!

[jdavis]

i had a very similar experience in my ME7 P1 T5 on the day i got it :( (dash lights etc) and that turned out to be alternator
i noticed the pulsing on the headlight beam and figured regulator had gone.
i doubt it's battery mate.

[LeeT5]

Never assume anything. Always use a multimeter, industry approved battery tester and an amp clamp!

[Peanut1]

Defo the alternator!!! shes up for sale!!!

[LeeT5]

What's up for sale? The car?

[Peanut1]

yes mate!!!!

[LeeT5]

yes mate!!!!

What, cos of the alternator?

[I want a T5]

What, cos of the alternator?

Not just that Lee, the big ponce has gone and bought a flash new Merc!

[Peanut1]

too right!!! i just need something that i can get in every morning and not worry wether its going to start or not and also not have to go to the petrol station before i go anywhere!!! Seriously though, the plan was to have it for a year, see how the business performed and get a lease hire car anyway. Business has gone way better than we thought and got a good deal on the new one so just went for it!!

[Peanut1]

16328
there she is!!!!

[Peanut1]

New alternator now fitted and everything is spot on, even the auto box is perfect!! Up for sale if anyone is interested!