Hello everyone,

 

I drive a '98 Mk2 Skoda Felicia and its always been good as gold but as of the last few days I have a charging problem...

 

The battery warning light comes on at low revs but then extinguishes at high revs.

 

I have tried 2 batteries (one fairly new and known working) and the issue occurs with either battery fitted.

 

Am I right this is an alternator problem? I have check grounds/cables/corrosion of which there is none.

 

I would like to know if I need a new alternator or would it be worth fitting new voltage regulator and bushes like this...

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Voltage-Charge-Regulator-Alternator-Vw-Skoda-028903803D-/311150048313?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3ASkoda%7CModel%3AFelicia&hash=item4871fcf439

 

Any help would be most appreciated to get my little felicia back in good health!

 

Thanks

 

Greg

Just a thought, could it be the alternator free-wheel clutch slipping? They are replacable but require a special tool (not too expensive).

Also have you tried measuring the alternator output with a multi-meter?

hello..

 

measured battery with engine off - 12v

measured with engine on at 2k rpm - 14v

measured with engine on at 2k rpm with lights and heater on - 11v

 

this is what leads me to think the alternator is working but inefficiently and with the possibility of ending its life altogether soon?

 

cheers

Check voltage drop on:

• alternator<->battery cable, 
• battery minus <-> ground cable

Clean:

• ground connection of battery minus <-> ground cable
• positive connection of alternator
• voltage regulator connector

Have a look at alternator brushes (minimum 5mm)

If all is good, diodes or windings are bad.

Hi as well as ricardoM advice check the alternator drive belt is tight , you need to get 14 volts engine running with lights / heater etc on if not time for a new/2nd hand alternator, this time of year we put more demand on the alternator and battery old battery's don't like the cold . clive

Just a thought, could it be the alternator free-wheel clutch slipping?

Where do you have this information? I would like to see the 'free-wheel clutch' in an alternator for Felicia 1.3.

Where do you have this information? I would like to see the 'free-wheel clutch' in an alternator for Felicia 1.3.

 

I can't speak for the 1.3 as I only have the 1.9d, but as I said, it was a thought/suggestion, not a diagnosis.

I can't speak for the 1.3 as I only have the 1.9d, but as I said, it was a thought/suggestion, not a diagnosis.

1.9D engines are equipped with an alternator that has a 'free-wheel clutch' ? Just curious...

1.9D engines are equipped with an alternator that has a 'free-wheel clutch' ? Just curious...

Yes, I think all VAG 1.9 diesel engines had them (both my truck and my AHU engined Audi have them), but in different sizes, number of ribs etc. It is a one-way clutch which allows the alternator to "freewheel" or slow down at its own rate when the engine decelerates, but drives the alternator as the engine speeds up/maitains speed.

 

It's quite a common part to fail, pretty sure mine is on its way out but it costs about £35 to replace (plus special tools...) so I want to be sure.

 

I had a quick look on ebay, the 1.6 alternator has one but I think your right, the 1.3 does not, apologies if I led anyone astray.