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E30 318i charging failure

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MICK View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Mar 2007
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MICK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: E30 318i charging failure
    Posted: 23 Jun 2019 at 7:27pm
My E30 broke down. The rescue mechanic said that the battery was flat and that it was a faulty alternator.The ignition warning lamp was not glowing when engine first switched on. Removed the instrument cluster to renew the bulb as was advised to earth the wire at the alternator which is connected to the bulb.The lamp should illuminate. It didn't illuminate. Moved the bulb to remove it and it glowed. The battery now charges o.k.  
    A simple bad connection on the lamp-holder can stop the battery from charging.
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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jun 2019 at 8:26am
This was because the current passed by the warning lamp is used to excite the alternator on starting.  A backup plan is to fit a suitable resistor across the warning lamp, in order to pass some current if the lamp fails.

It is a good reason to have a voltmeter on the car, but BMW have always been content to fit their so-called 'Ultimate Driving Machine' with instruments of a standard suitable for a Ford Transit.
A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!
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MICK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MICK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2019 at 6:07pm
That sounds like a sensible idea to stop a minor problem like having to be recovered from a motorway.
Thanks for your interest.
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