[Mk2] [Turbo] battery light, cat light, intercooler fan light all on

[Jamitsi]

Out for a drive today, as the sun was out, all was running well
After about 30 mins noticed the battery light, cat light and intercooler fan light has all come on, voltage meter on turbo timer was reading low at 11.5 volts.
Turned everything on heater lights register etc voltage dropped 11.1 but then levelled out to 11.2 volts.
Haven't got my multimeter with me, so used a battery/alternator tester. Battery is reading good, with ign on, big wire on back of the alternator is reading the same. Then tested the 3 pin plug 2 wires were reading the same , but one was reading slightly lower,
Should all these 3 wires rear the same voltage?
Would this be the alternator has gone? Battery doesn't seem to lose any more than 11 volts even with everything on.
Has a wire broken/ damages, causing the lower voltage on one of the pins?

Info and help much appreciated

Thanks jamie

[gnzyza]

I would think with the car started you should see 14+volts at the battery.

[Peter Gidden]

If, with ignition on, all 3 pins in the plug read battery voltage, your alternator is dead.

[Jamitsi]

If, with ignition on, all 3 pins in the plug read battery voltage, your alternator is dead.

Even though the voltage doesn't keep dropping when everything is on?

[Peter Gidden]

If, with ignition on, all 3 pins in the plug read battery voltage, your alternator is dead.

Even though the voltage doesn't keep dropping when everything is on?

According to your firdt post, voltsge is already below what it should be.

[Jamitsi]

If, with ignition on, all 3 pins in the plug read battery voltage, your alternator is dead.

Even though the voltage doesn't keep dropping when everything is on?

According to your firdt post, voltsge is already below what it should be.

Yes it is. But just baffled me that he the alternator isn't charging the battery. All electrical items with use battery charge. But it didn't go lower than 11 volts with everything on.

[Peter Gidden]

Even though the voltage doesn't keep dropping when everything is on?

According to your firdt post, voltsge is already below what it should be.

Yes it is. But just baffled me that he the alternator isn't charging the battery. All electrical items with use battery charge. But it didn't go lower than 11 volts with everything on.

Assuming the battery is good there are only two reasons why the alternator isn't charging.

Either the alternator has failed

or

There is a fault outside of the alternator.

The simple test in my first post will determine where the fault lies. Simples.

[Jamitsi]

Right
Got my multimeter back and tested the car. Not drove it since the problem on Friday
Battery is at 12volts ign off, and 11.8 volts with ign on. So battery is good
Nut on back of alternator ign on. Is at 11.8 volts
took 3 pin plug off to take voltage. Order as you look at plug with clip at top
first pin is reading 10.8 volts
Middle pin is reading 11.7 volts
Third pin is reading 11.8 volts

is fault with wires or alternator?

[Peter Gidden]

Alternator

[Jamitsi]

Cheers for the help Peter. Nice one!

[Jamitsi]

Best way to get it out?
Top or bottom? Looks too tight at the top?

[2mad]

Best way to get it out?
Top or bottom? Looks too tight at the top?

Bottom worked for me ... major ball ache doing it .

[Jamitsi]

Thought it would be the bottom. Can only see that it will put up a fight.

[Peter Gidden]

Bottom.

Remove alternator from cradle. Remove rear engine mount and B pipe. Out it comes.

[2mad]

Bottom.

Remove alternator from cradle. Remove rear engine mount and B pipe. Out it comes.

Spot on .. thats what i did .. magor pain .. but worked

[Jamitsi]

cheers guys

its out now , just removed exhaust centre section,
wiggle
giggle
and lovely jubbly

new one on order