Just a quick query folks. Have decided to try and sort the elusive intermittent info centre I have. Before I start checking all the contacts around the alternator and then behind the dash, what precautions do I need to make to ensure I don't electrofry myself?!
Does the alternator generate any current when the engine is off or do I still need to stay away from certain points regardless?
Thanks!
Simple Alternator Query - Don't Want To Fry Myself!
Moderators: jifflemon, coyote1980, Rachel
When your engine is not running your alternator is NOT generating any power. If you want to play it extremely safe you can also disconnect your battery. That way there will be no power at all.
Whoever said : " A Volvo cannot be tuned ?!? "
Name: Goldlocks // Type: TURBO // Year: 1988 // Colour: 435 Saffron Pearl // Engine: B18FT (1.7) Rica chip, Custom Volvo widebody and lots of ICE
Name: Goldlocks // Type: TURBO // Year: 1988 // Colour: 435 Saffron Pearl // Engine: B18FT (1.7) Rica chip, Custom Volvo widebody and lots of ICE
Re: Simple Alternator Query - Don't Want To Fry Myself!
Message content removed.
Last edited by ally_v on Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:59 pm, edited 2 times in total.
-
SteveR
- 480 Veteran
- Posts: 711
- Joined: Sat Apr 16, 2005 7:42 pm
- Location: SE corner of Dorset, by the surf reef
- Contact:
There are several cables bunched together that earth near the alternator - if not earthed properly info centre acts peculiar or not at all - its an odd one but it worked for me.
Steve Robson
---------------
This was my K Reg 2L LtdEdn TwoTone - now sold
At Nurburgring (pic Suddy)
No longer a 480 owner
---------------
This was my K Reg 2L LtdEdn TwoTone - now sold
At Nurburgring (pic Suddy)
No longer a 480 owner
-
2127
- Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 8:30 am
- Location: 's-Gravenwezel (B)
Thx Ally for what I call a very clear explanation of basic car electrics. It is one of the reasons I started visiting this forum: getting knowledge about some things that may be evident to others, but certainly not to me. Yes, I know one shouldn't put + and - together and I can perform effectively to a certain level when converting in-house electrics, but car electro is a different beast altogether. Now I feel more confident tackling some jobs that are on my list for far too long already.
Much obliged!
Greetz,
Peter
Much obliged!
Greetz,
Peter
Less is often more.
-
robkendall
- 480 Is my middle name
- Posts: 2694
- Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:28 am
- Location: 2nd star on the left and straight on til morning
Re: Simple Alternator Query - Don't Want To Fry Myself!
haha.....ive got two scars down my right forearm that would disagree with you.....was tightening the starter mounting plate on the turbo when i had it, the ratchet slipped off the nut, hit the + on the battery and earthed....it was lying down my arm at the time.ally_v wrote:None! The 12volts used on cars is harmless. .
if you wanna be safe, take the battery off altogether....no harm in it for a couple of bolts.
rgrds
rob
Warning! This post may contain traces of humour, sarcasm or wit. In case of allergic reaction call 0800 123 456 for free and confidential abuse. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v192/saracen480/spank.gif[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v192/saracen480/armynewx.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v192/saracen480/armynewx.jpg[/img]
-
martinholmesuk
- Friend of Club 480 Europe
- Posts: 10049
- Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2002 9:43 pm
- Location: West Sussex
Re: Simple Alternator Query - Don't Want To Fry Myself!
I also did the same thing. so remove the battery!robkendall wrote:haha.....ive got two scars down my right forearm that would disagree with you.....was tightening the starter mounting plate on the turbo when i had it, the ratchet slipped off the nut, hit the + on the battery and earthed....it was lying down my arm at the time.ally_v wrote:None! The 12volts used on cars is harmless. .
if you wanna be safe, take the battery off altogether....no harm in it for a couple of bolts.
rgrds
rob
Volvo 940 Turbo 19T (real Volvo :P)
Audi TT
Audi TT
-
MrHyde
- Started learning about 480
- Posts: 92
- Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 4:26 pm
- Location: Osnabrueck/Germany
- Contact:
So now i know why the TÃœV demands that the + connector at the battery has a cover on int ..
But it's as ally wrote, if you connect + to earth directly there will be really high current
Hauke
But it's as ally wrote, if you connect + to earth directly there will be really high current
Hauke
Fog Lamps, n.:
Excessively (often obnoxiously) bright lamps mounted on the fronts
of automobiles; used on dry, clear nights to indicate that the
driver's brain is in a fog. See also "Idiot Lights".
Excessively (often obnoxiously) bright lamps mounted on the fronts
of automobiles; used on dry, clear nights to indicate that the
driver's brain is in a fog. See also "Idiot Lights".
-
2127
- Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 8:30 am
- Location: 's-Gravenwezel (B)
Re: Simple Alternator Query - Don't Want To Fry Myself!
martinholmesuk wrote:if you wanna be safe, take the battery off altogether....no harm in it for a couple of bolts.
rgrds
rob
I also did the same thing. so remove the battery!
Would do it anyway, isn't worth the risk. Saw some huuuuuge sparks once coming out of a battery. Did the trick!
Less is often more.