possible alternator problem.

stek

06 ford focus, I got the alternator replaced recently with a refurb.. But since then Ive noticed that when the car is idle the lights are fairly dim but when I rev it they brighten up alot, the same with the internal cabin heating fan, seems to run alot faster when I rev the engine. Is this the new alternator?

My local mechanic got the part and fitted it all about 4 weeks ago, have i got any come back? ie. can i tell him to fit a new one as this one seems to be faulty..

congo_90

Can't remember to hand at the moment but it could be the alternator regulator from the ecu. Cars like the focus need a lot of power to run everything.
The have icv's to help this too ( idle control valve).

Start your car with all electrical accesories off (heater,radio lights etc) then note where the car is idling in rpm.

Next, switch on all your lights, highbeams and all other electrics on full including fan/ aircon. and note the rpm. It should dip then raise to a higher rpm in order to regulate voltage.

Its not unheard of though for lights to dim a little when idling.
Just my 2cent. I'm no mechanic though

beachlife

Hi there,
The Ford Focus has a smart alternator,Which means that the charge rate is controlled by the ecu.What happened your alt. in the first place? Did you also get the battery replaced? Sounds light the battery is a little down,might have enough power to start the car but is not really holding enough reserve charge
The focus uses a calcium battery,if you replaced it with a normal lead acid type you will have all sorts of problems

stek

ford focus 06 tdci. My car was requiring a jump to start every time, I was told the alternator was burned out. He replaced it with a refurbished alternator at a cost of €250. The battery was not replaced.
Is the dimming a problem? it doesn't bother me but if its causing damage to other parts I will have to get it fixed..
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

stek

stek wrote: »

06 ford focus, I got the alternator replaced recently with a refurb.. But since then Ive noticed that when the car is idle the lights are fairly dim but when I rev it they brighten up alot, the same with the internal cabin heating fan, seems to run alot faster when I rev the engine. Is this the new alternator?

Defo alternator I would think.
If the car starts the battery is fine, alternator takes over once the car is running (in real terms, power still comes from the battery terminals).

congo_90

If i remember correctly from driving an 07 Focus you can set the parking lights and radio to stay on after ignition (ignition timing). Switch this feature off.

Another thing is if your jumping everytime then shut down all electrics before shutting down the engine. That mean:

• Foot off brake (your brake lights stay on after ignition)
• Radio
• Handsfree
• Heater
• Lights

By doing so you give the ecu a chance to regain its voltage.
A refurbed alternator may not give an adequate voltage compared to a new one.

Any reason given why your alt blew anyway? Any poorly fitted accesories that could have overloaded it?

beachlife

stek wrote: »

ford focus 06 tdci. My car was requiring a jump to start every time, I was told the alternator was burned out. He replaced it with a refurbished alternator at a cost of €250. The battery was not replaced.
Is the dimming a problem? it doesn't bother me but if its causing damage to other parts I will have to get it fixed..
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

Get a new good quality battery and check your earth strap,I think that will sort out all your problems,the flicker is caused buy the pulsating of the engine.Ie. the charge from the alternator is not smooth but contains "Ripples" The job of the battery is to absorb this energy and also to smooth out these ripples.
If you ignore it ,you could end up spiking the ecu or something like that.
A new battery for your car is not dear about 80/100 euro. then all problems are sorted

stek

Thanks, I'll replace the battery..

stek

stek wrote: »

Thanks, I'll replace the battery..

Get the battery tested first, I would be confident it isn't the battery