Jump to content
  • When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

battery or alternator??


MrSharky

Recommended Posts

so - driving Betty today, the "L" light came on but I kept going - and then we shut her off to take some pictures. Got back in, and she wouldn't turn over, had to roll start her. Then she ran fine... came to an intersection, and she died completely.. just plain shut off. Couldn't roll start, and no one around that would jump her (thanks cop) so we got her towed home. Jump started just fine, and no L light. So... knowing the L light is something like, "low charge to battery" (thanks CD) do I suspect the battery or the alternator? Or maybe something else??

Matt

I needed a car, and a hobby....

Nor'East '02ers-

www.bmw2002.us

Betty VIN 4229155

The original colour was Malaga, paint code 021

SiteNamecopy.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The brushes in your alternator have worn down and you're driving right off the battery so you lose ignition once the battery level is low enough. Basically you need to replace the alternator. If you swap to a more modern one, it has an easily removable regulator with the brushes attached.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I suspect you need a voltmeter....

...then something in your charging system- alt, reg, wire, bulb behind L light

(car won't charge when the light doesn't work- perversely)

t

"I learn best through painful, expensive experience, so I feel like I've gotten my money's worth." MattL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the input. I put in a new Diehard, and it seems to be much better now. The L light still comes on occasionally and flickers, but stays off for most of the time. Still looking into it - the belt's tight, going to check wires & grounds tomorrow. Maybe put a fancy new alternator on my Xmas wishlist.

Matt

I needed a car, and a hobby....

Nor'East '02ers-

www.bmw2002.us

Betty VIN 4229155

The original colour was Malaga, paint code 021

SiteNamecopy.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

check the wires where they come out of the alternator connector-

I've had them break there before, and then vibration makes and breaks the contact.

But if it were me, I'd put a meter on it and keep an eye on it starting about yesterday.

Because the brushes in the alternator are a good guess, as are the points

in an old mechanical voltage regulator, and both of those things

are going to get worse, not better.

don't get stranded,

t

"I learn best through painful, expensive experience, so I feel like I've gotten my money's worth." MattL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the input. I put in a new Diehard, and it seems to be much better now. The L light still comes on occasionally and flickers, but stays off for most of the time. Still looking into it - the belt's tight, going to check wires & grounds tomorrow. Maybe put a fancy new alternator on my Xmas wishlist.

Matt

You can get a rebuilt 80 AMP alternator w/ an on-board regulator for $80/$85 on flebay, should that be the issue.

Put a volt meter on the output of the generator and see what you get for voltage when the car is running. I believe it should be over 13V.

1976 2002 Custom Dk Blue w/ Pearl

1975 2002A Sahara (sold Feb 2008)

SiteNamecopy.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Okay - so the light's still on, on more than it's off in fact. Good news is that I do have a voltmeter - but.. where to put it? I'm not sure what the regulator looks like, or where it's located, or where to put the probes... can anyone help (maybe even with pictures??)

Matt

I needed a car, and a hobby....

Nor'East '02ers-

www.bmw2002.us

Betty VIN 4229155

The original colour was Malaga, paint code 021

SiteNamecopy.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    Unveiling of the Neue Klasse Unveiled in 1961, BMW 1500 sedan was a revolutionary concept at the outset of the '60s. No tail fins or chrome fountains. Instead, what you got was understated and elegant, in a modern sense, exciting to drive as nearly any sports car, and yet still comfortable for four.   The elegant little sedan was an instant sensation. In the 1500, BMW not only found the long-term solution to its dire business straits but, more importantly, created an entirely new
    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    In 1966, BMW was practically unknown in the US unless you were a touring motorcycle enthusiast or had seen an Isetta given away on a quiz show.  BMW’s sales in the US that year were just 1253 cars.  Then BMW 1600-2 came to America’s shores, tripling US sales to 4564 the following year, boosted by favorable articles in the Buff Books. Car and Driver called it “the best $2500 sedan anywhere.”  Road & Track’s road test was equally enthusiastic.  Then, BMW took a cue from American manufacturers,
    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    BMW 02 series are like the original Volkswagen Beetles in one way (besides both being German classic cars)—throughout their long production, they all essentially look alike—at least to the uninitiated:  small, boxy, rear-wheel drive, two-door sedan.  Aficionados know better.   Not only were there three other body styles—none, unfortunately, exported to the US—but there were some significant visual and mechanical changes over their eleven-year production run.   I’ve extracted t
  • Upcoming Events

  • Supporting Vendors

×
×
  • Create New...