Alternator problems

QLDZDR · Aug 5, 2012

flame said: ↑

I took my Zed in to the mechanics to have the alternator replaced (with a
rebuilt unit) a few weeks back. When I picked it up the mechanic tried to
tell me that;

1) the HID headlights were drawing too much current for the alternator to
handle.

2) the electric thermo fan was drawing too much current for the alternator
to handle.

3) the headlights are wired wrong because the low beams turn off when
the high beams come on.

4) that the HID headlights were wired up wrong, that they didn't have a
"transformer" (ballast) and the bulbs were just wired directly in to 12volts.

When I asked why they went ahead and fitted a standard output alternator
(rather than a high output unit) knowing that it would not output enough
current they changed their story, said it was just the headlights that were a
problem, but the alternator was "covering" and that it just might burn out in
a year or 2.

The guy also tried to tell me that when people install big stereo systems in
a car the reason they use amplifiers is to amplify the power so that it
doesn't draw any more current from the alternator.

First thing I did when I got the car home was check the current draw of
the HID headlights, each light was < 7amp spike at startup and down to
< 4amps within a minute. I also replaced the whole HID setup because one
of the bulbs had part of the plastic broken off and wouldn't mount securely.

About 2 weeks after the alternator was replaced it died again.

I took the Zed to a real auto electrician, they checked the wiring and the
alternator and confirmed that the alternator is dead.

I took the Zed back to the original mechanic to have the alternator replaced
under warranty. He has agreed to replace the alternator under warranty but
is insisting that the HID headlights are drawing too much current and were
the cause of the alternator burning out.

I asked the mechanic how many amps the headlights were drawing... he did
not know.

I asked the mechanic how many amps the "standard" alternator they had
used was rated at... he did not know, eventually guessed at 60amps.

He is insisting that I replace the HIDs with standard bulbs or they will not
warranty the replacement alternator.

I don't know if the problem is that the alternator is faulty or that there is
something wrong in the electrical system that needs to be fixed. I don't
believe that it's the HID hedlights causing the problem but if there is a
problem somewhere then I want it found and fixed.

Any suggestions on what to have checked?
Click to expand...

Sounds like the problem might be with the auto electrician.

I am just looking for any mention of zx alternators with standard regulator being compatible or incompatible with the current silver calcium batteries.
I wonder if I need an auto electrician.
I think a different guy to the one you have.

pexzed · Aug 5, 2012

digus epicus

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Alternator problems

QLDZDR ID=David

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Alternator problems

QLDZDR ID=David

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