More Avensis misery, battery drain

[greyskull2]

Hi, Can't seem to find this topic in previous posts so to give you an overview, the original alternator packed in 10 months ago so replaced it with one bought online which was an exact replica dimension wise but which has turned out to be a slightly different model (104210-4771 as opposed to the original 104210-4521). The only difference appears to be a higher output of 130Amps on the replacement. Anyway, 9 months on and I get the Battery symbol flashing on the dash during a long drive. RAC attend and tell me Battery is fine but probably an alternator fault. I've since had it tested in 2 places with professional kit and the Battery and alternator are fine. On idle, the battery is getting 14.4 volts. Whatever I switch on the voltage doesn't drop below 14.3 volts. If I go for a long run or use the car locally for a few short trips, the battery light on the dash starts to flicker. When I get home and connect up the smart charger, it shows the battery at 50% charge when it should be near 100%. I have it on charge now just to make sure it works for local travel but I can't contemplate a long run as it will stop if the battery gets really low.

When I sit in the car with it running at night, I try turning on items in turn to check for drop in voltage, dimming lights, etc but nothing. Driving me crazy so I would really appreciate a fresh view on this fault please.

I've not done the parasitic drain thing as it keeps charge overnight and never fails to start. It seems that driving it is making it flatten but it's ok if you don't run it.

Any similar experiences please?

[greyskull2]

Should have said, it's a 2010 D4d T27 estate model with 151k on the clock

[Roy124]

It sounds like the 12v services when you are driving exceed the capacity of the alternator to recharge the Battery. 

The weather isnt bad enough for all the heavy users to be on, is it? 

[greyskull2]

No, not yet. I have been driving with minimal electrical demand just to prolong the Battery life.

It's on charge now and charging up nicely to 100% but tomorrow will start the draining process again once it's in use.

I would say that the only non-factory item on the vehicle is a Dashcam, no fancy stereo, boom boxes, etc.

[Dala]

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/company/autoelectro/smart-charge-alternators-everything-you-need-to-know/

[greyskull2]

Thanks Dala, interesting read so I guess I need to check the wiring to the 4 pin plug on the alternator as well.

[2009joe]

by chance do ypu have your older alternator i wonder there is a guy that has replacement parts for starters kits and im wondering would have brushes for repairing your genuine alternator 

 

Carl Dawes
RepairkitsUK
Office - 01543 226222
Mobile - 07500 197742
www.repairkitsuk.com
www.startermotorkits.com

[greyskull2]

Hi Joe,

 

Hi Joe, It isn't the brushes that have gone in the original one, it's something else. Does anyone deal in old alternators, do they have a value as the old one is of no use to me.