Rav4 Not Charging No Light

[wigreed]

Hi all. My rav4 2005 2.0 petrol died on me the other day it had a flat Battery and doesn't seem to be charging. I put a meter across the Battery when it was running and only got 10v

The Battery light does not come on when I turn the ignition on or when running has anyone got any idea what this could be?

It also developed random electrical faults the day before it broke down power widows not working and speedo not working.

Any help much appreciated

[gjnorthall]

It would appear that the alternator has given up the ghost - you should get around 14.2 volts across the Battery with the engine running. I assume that you've checked the obvious such as the security of the two connections at the alternator. The warning light will only illuminate for certain faults but it is unusual for it not to illuminate when the ignition is turned on - it's sometimes due to the connector on the alternator that's loose or dirty (the plug in connector with three terminals). Random electrical faults would be expected if the system voltage is way down.

To eliminate issues other than the alternator - check the output voltage with the engine and running with the voltmeter connected between earth and the single terminal on the alternator (the plastic cover clips off). It's usually the voltage regulator that fails on this alternator and I'd suggest a service exchange unit from your local auto electrical factors.

It's not relevant to this particular alternator but many Rav's have an over-run clutch within the drive pulley - these can fail so that the pulley spins but the alternator shaft doesn't - there have been cases where alternators have been condemned in error when the problem could have been solved by replacing the pulley.

[Parts-King]

Ive seen quite a few alternators show weird signs when the main wiring terminals get corroded or loose. I would check those first on the back of the alternator

[wigreed]

Thanks for your speedy replies much appreciated. I think the Battery has a cell gone and I'm pretty sure the alternator has gone so I will replace nth tomorrow will let u know if it solve problems