Charge light is on? Overcharging - VOLTAGE REG?

**highrolla** · 22-04-2006, 10:05 AM

Looking at a 92 camry 3SFE...

Charge light on dash comes on intermitttenty.

Just checked the voltage (light was not showing at the time) and its showing 14.6v

I thought this is a little high..do you think at times this goes up a little and the charge light is coming on because there is higher than normal voltage?

Cheers

**slide86** · 22-04-2006, 11:22 AM

nah. 14.6 is bout right. Thats when the alternator IS charging. Most later model cars charge round that rate.

if anything, when the charge light does come on, it will LOOSE voltage ie the alternator is not charging the battery.

usually its something like the brushes loosing contact with the armateur (how do you spell it???). In that case you could probably get a new reg for it and it will be ok.

**turbo ke20** · 22-04-2006, 09:55 PM

camry alternators are a pretty common fault. ive seen a few with batt light coming on intermittant. It will be your alternator for sure. make sure you go to a good auto elec to get a reco unit coz there are alot of bodgy ones who will just give it a coat of paintand call it a reco alternator. you shouldnt need to pay more than $250 for it supply and fitted

**Grant** · 23-04-2006, 10:49 AM

That's known as a Dulux Recondition!

**crowncustom** · 23-04-2006, 11:17 AM

If the regulator is easy to get to,take it off and check the brushes not sure if they are the same as the old bosch units which are held on the back of alt with two screws but my bet would be most likely worn brushes.Cheaper than havin the whole alternator rebuilt.
Cheers Brett.

**Garth AE86** · 23-04-2006, 11:32 AM

sounds like a wire loose on the plug for battery warning light

the yellow one i think?

**highrolla** · 23-04-2006, 06:05 PM

Thanks for the words of wisdom...yeah I was expecting to see low voltage, maybe as people say I'll check connection and/or brushes.

Hasnt played up again so I guess Ill wait till light comes on again. A toyota Van we have I replaced the worn brushes and all was good again ($25 later)

**BradW** · 23-04-2006, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by slide86

loosing contact with the armateur (how do you spell it???).

It's actually spelt "armature" but you did a better job than the apprenticeat work, he spells it "armicha"

. BTW it's actually called a rotor in an alternator

.

Anyway, enough with the english lesson, these are fitted with a bosch alternator, correct?
You can get away with just replacing the reg, probably cost $25 - $35 for a new one and they have the brushes fitted. Make sure to disconnect the battery when you do it as there is a chance of shorting out the reg when you fit it. This is not good for the reg (yes I am talking from experience

). When you have the reg out have a look at the slip rings (copper rings that the brushes run on) and see how badly they are grooved. If you plan on keeping the car it may pay to get them machined. You need to remove the rotor to do this so while you have it out fit a new set of bearings (probably another $20 or so) and you have yourself a reco alternator. Oh and while you have it apart you could always wash and paint it too

.