Battery/starting problems

Hi newbie here.

Had the 02tf for 5 years this year. Just started to have a few problems of late. End of last year had a new alternator and batter running fine all winter. Just getting it ready for an MOT this week and sometimes the car will start and sometimes not. The charging to the battery is very very low 12.15v. the belt seems tight enough what else should I check?

1st things 1st……..check the battery terminals are tight and clean, same goes for the terminals on the alternator earth lead and starter.
Check the starter exciter wire terminal too.
Report back with you findings

The quality of remanufactured alternators is to blame for quite a few similar charging problems. The TF's engine bay is a fiersome environment for an alternator due to air flow so don't think that because it was changed recently that it is OK.
John .

+1 for that. If you have checked all connectors are sound then certainly a voltage of just 12.5 v when charging points to the alternator having become defective.


There is a good How To on the forum about changing the alternator https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/22-cjjs-guides/214-alternator-how-to-change

It may be practical to swap out the rectifier/ regulator pack on the back of the alternator e.g
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/rover-75-mg-zt-cdti-alternator-regulator-and-brush-kit-fits-yle000260-and-yle102500 that is just an example, check if yours is this type .


Its great to see you on the forum but how is it you havent popped your head round the door before ? We are all F / TF owners so always good to see new people pop up but ever hopeful; they will contribute some comments and not just disappear once they've found out what they needed.

Can I “one up” Cobber’s exciter wire. This wire provides current for the starter solenoid & if you have a poor contact, intermittent problems are experienced.
If you slide your hand down the rear of the engine, around the charcoal canister, & locate the contacts on the starter motor, give them a wiggle when problems arise. If you can regularly overcome your problems by doing this, change the contacts, usually .325 lucars.
If not I’m with the rest of the lads.
Actually change those contacts as a matter of course, do that properly & the chances of there being a problem with this is reduced to very little.
M

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I would start with checking the connections to the alternator and the battery. Also check the fuse on the engine bay rear bulk head if there is one.

Also what is the out put from the alternator compared to the input to the battery.