Any advice would be great

I recently had my alternator changed when i was away after the bearing started to fail on the alternator, since returning home i have noticed that the battery light comes on after starting the car like its not receiving a charge (at idle) once i rev it to about 1300rpms and then let the engine settle back to idle the light goes out and does not return. I have done a couple of long distance trips and no real issues regarding charging and starting back up, i have tried to put the alternator underload on these journeys lights, blowers, radio and rear heated window etc and still its ok.

The only other issue is the the lights dim slightly when i rev the engine for a split second which i hadnt noticed previously but wasnt looking for it. it feels like the alternator is giving sufficient charge but maybe not getting a strong enough ampage when the cars at idle after first starting.

would really appreciate any advice.

Regards

TC

An update on the issue, i have returned the vehicle back to the garage who fitted the alternator due to the battery light coming on at idle after startup (ok once it revs), i have since noticed that the headlights are pulsating on occasions and the garage thinks its a problem with the rectifier on the alternator.

The garage just rang saying the new alternator has done the same thing and they think the battery is frying the alternator. They are saying the battery is the wrong code and is a calcium battery which it shouldnt be.  they are about to fit a 3rd alternator and change the battery (there is no cost for the 2nd and 3rd alternator)

I have never heard of the battery frying the alternator maybe the other way round.

I have changed atleat 10 alternators in my lifetime and never encountered this kind of issue. only took it to the garage for the repair as i could not be bothered lying in the entry in the freezing weather.

I did take a look at the alternator harness and it looks fine

Any clues with this would be great

 

 

Edited 8 February, 20188 yr by Topcat77

I do know that modern Fords use and need a specific alternator for their calcium battery (and vice versa) so maybe the garage has a point

cheshire_cat, I hope your right and the battery change solves the problem but im not holding my breath.  The annoying thing is the vehicle was perfect when i put it in the garage the issue with the alternator was the bearings was on there way out and had become very noisy (chattering). 

Ok i have now picked the car up from the garage, it is now spot on, the alternator they put on the car for the first two attempts was the wrong alternator and did not have the smart charge feature. the new alternator and battery are working beautifully in tandem £300 later but i suppose thats reasonable for a new alternator, battery and new serpentine  belt.

Hope this helps someone in the future

Thanks

they say every day's a school day---cheers for the feedback