Temporary Loss of Electrical Power

Hi all,

On a spirited drive today the battery light came on for a few seconds and I think I lost electrics (the steering felt unassisted).

The issue appears to have gone completely for now, however is this a typical symptom of a bigger or growing problem?

Many thanks
Matt

Hi everyone,

Another update... When I turn the key to 1st stage (ie engine off but car electrics primed) I don't get a battery light.. Does this mean my alternator is dying?

Matt

Failure of the alt warning light on startup can be due to the light bulb failure, or a bad connection. The alternator needs a wake up call to start working this is achieved by the resistance of the alt light bulb exciting the charging circuit into action.
It could be something as simple as the exciter wire having a loose connection.

If someone has replaced the original incandescent bulb with a modern LED bulb this will also prevent the alternator from exciting as it has less resistance to the original incandescent bulb.

So I've done my first ever electrical check on a car, and the multimeter results on the battery are as follows:

Car off: 12.06v

Car on: 11.46v

Does anyone have a recommended next step? From reading this guide, my battery definitely isn't charging

https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/22-cjj-s-guides/90639-testing-the-battery-and-charging-circuit

When you say car on do you mean just ignition on or with the engine running?
If it’s with the engine running does the voltage rise if you give it some revs?
The fact that the alt light isn’t coming on with the ignition on / engine not running means you alternator probably isn’t going to charge.
1st thing to do is replace the light bulb for the charge light. To do this you need to remove the instruments to gain access.
Replacing this bulb is much cheaper than replacing the alternator, so it doesn’t matter much if the bulb isn’t the cause of your problem.
The next thing to check is the wiring connections to the alternator, if they’re ok then maybe your alternator has shat itself.

Okay I found this old thread and I'm following what was recommended. Just checked the 80A fuse and that's okay.

https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/9-mgf-tf-pitstop/97429-alternator-failed

Thanks, I will give the bulb a go.

Engine running, I didn't give it any revs but will try

I can't find the how to of replacing/checking the battery warning bulb in the instrument cluster. Is anyone able to send me a link?

Workshop manuals can be found here https://www.the-t-bar.com/community/downloads/category/8-technical-manuals

Instrument cluster removal


The rear view of the pod

Once the fascia in front of the instrument pod has been removed you will be able to unscrew the pod and pull; it forward. It isnt necessary to remove the steering wheel to do this. Just take it easy and dont rush.