help! computer or alternator failure?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 652
Likes: 2
help! computer or alternator failure?
Hello Out There,
Just got back from training for several months out here in Germany, and took the 92 out to Autobahn 3 at night. Noticed during the drive that the headlights looked weak and was preparing to pull off to check it out at a nearby gas station. At some point there was a clicking noise under the dash and the warning panels began lighting up various messages like ASR needs servicing, Service Engine Soon, ABS , etc etc, like a christmas tree. Then the main display with the speedo, gauges, etc began flickering.I prepared for a complete electrical loss as this was happening and got near the emergency lane because breaking down on the autobahn is NOT good. The lights in the car began dimming and she eventually lost all power and the engine quit, as did the lights, so I pulled over. The dash had gone completely dark and I lost the tail lights and headlights. I at some point got the car towed back home. I live in Germany and do not have the usual facilities to get parts, so I need to get a good analysis here before I begin ordering. Any tips for troubleshooting?
thanks...
Marc
:confused:
Just got back from training for several months out here in Germany, and took the 92 out to Autobahn 3 at night. Noticed during the drive that the headlights looked weak and was preparing to pull off to check it out at a nearby gas station. At some point there was a clicking noise under the dash and the warning panels began lighting up various messages like ASR needs servicing, Service Engine Soon, ABS , etc etc, like a christmas tree. Then the main display with the speedo, gauges, etc began flickering.I prepared for a complete electrical loss as this was happening and got near the emergency lane because breaking down on the autobahn is NOT good. The lights in the car began dimming and she eventually lost all power and the engine quit, as did the lights, so I pulled over. The dash had gone completely dark and I lost the tail lights and headlights. I at some point got the car towed back home. I live in Germany and do not have the usual facilities to get parts, so I need to get a good analysis here before I begin ordering. Any tips for troubleshooting?
thanks...
Marc
:confused:
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Cowpens SC
Re: help! computer or alternator failure? (stingraymarc)
Charge the battery. Start the car and put a voltmeter on the battery. If the alternator is OK you will read about 14.5 volts. My quess is you'll read less than 12.5 volts which means the alt is dead.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Re: help! computer or alternator failure? (stingraymarc)
I had the same problem with my vette marc. Alternator was the problem, diode block was blown out. Just remove the alt and bring it to a bosch shop, they can repair it for probably less than 100 Dmark.
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: help! computer or alternator failure? (stingraymarc)
The alternator quit and you should have first seen the red battery light come on. A check of the voltage would confirm this as a reading below 12.0 volts. You might have made it back to safety by turning off all unnecessary electrical equipment and maximizing your average speed. Recharge the battery and have your alternator checked/rebuilt/replaced.
