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  #1  
Old 12-19-2014, 08:21 PM
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Traitor_Moron Traitor_Moron is offline
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Christmas tree lights?

It's been a long time and please forgive me but I don't remember what causes this... Please refresh my memory. I humbly thank you.
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  #2  
Old 12-19-2014, 08:25 PM
92snowmachine 92snowmachine is offline
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Re: Christmas tree lights?

I would say alternator is most likely cause.
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  #3  
Old 12-19-2014, 08:31 PM
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Re: Christmas tree lights?

Tis the season for a new alternator or perhaps your crank pulley has separated.
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  #4  
Old 12-20-2014, 04:25 AM
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Re: Christmas tree lights?

Buy yourself a volt meter that plugs into your cigarette lighter. Harbor freight has them for cheap. You should see around 12V before cranking and around 13-14V once the engine is running. If you see no difference, check your belt, pulley and have the alternator checked at Auto Zone or Pep Boyz. Good luck!
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  #5  
Old 12-20-2014, 08:00 AM
92snowmachine 92snowmachine is offline
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Re: Christmas tree lights?

You could start the car then take the battery cable off. If the car dies you aren't charging.
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  #6  
Old 12-21-2014, 01:42 PM
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Re: Christmas tree lights?

This may be of some help. One of the many articles I have collected over the years.

Has proven itself more than once.


Alternator Fault / Flashing Dash Lights

Intermittent dash light indication

Steady simultaneous illumination of more than one dashboard trouble indication lights, i.e. Battery Charging, Steering, and Stop Lamp, indicates one of several possible alternator faults which can be detected by the alternator’s integral electronic diagnostic module.

It would appear that as a safety measure, in the event of an alternator fault those indicator lights which are not illuminated for test purposes at startup, are operated simultaneously.


Flashing dash lights

The flashing of several dashboard indication lights can indicate a rather obscure alternator fault.

The indicator light test circuit which operates at startup, incorporates blocking diodes to eliminate a sneak circuit which would otherwise exist. A fault within the alternator rectifier network, often involving only a single diode, can result in alternating current being induced on line. As a result pulses of reverse voltage, pass the blocking diodes in the circuit which energizes the indicator lights.

Those testing alternators, including professional technicians, can often fail to detect this problem, due to there being only a very small discrepancy in the DC output.

It has been shown that testing battery voltage with a multimeter switched to the alternating current range, will often disclose the presence of the unwanted alternating current, whereas a normal direct current output voltage check will not. An oscilloscope will certainly disclose the problem.



Hope this may be of some use.

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R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016

2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback

2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles.
Plenty of parts, service and windshields.


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  #7  
Old 12-21-2014, 01:51 PM
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Re: Christmas tree lights?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 92snowmachine View Post
You could start the car then take the battery cable off. If the car dies you aren't charging.
This is almost always a bad idea.

Maniac Electric Motors has always warned about this from day one.

If you're tempted to test an alternator by disconnecting the negative battery cable, don't do it. A good alternator may indeed keep the engine running, but it is never a good test.

In the pre-computer days, you could pull it off without damaging anything. Today, you risk frying every electrical device in your vehicle. The second you disconnect the battery, the voltage regulator pegs the alternator to put out maximum power. With no battery in the circuit to act as a buffer, the alternator can put out up to 150 volts, depending on engine rpm. When the smoke clears, that “simple test” could end up costing you several thousand dollars for new electronics. Some have been successful, but there is always the risk.

Instead, use a cheap voltmeter. With the engine off, battery voltage should be between 12.5 and 12.8 volts. If it's below that, charge the battery with a battery charger before you conduct the test. Then start the engine and check for increased voltage readings as shown above. If you see higher readings, chances are the alternator is good (more sophisticated testing equipment is needed to detect an open or shorted alternator diode).


Also a warning here.

http://www.troubleshooters.com/dont_...ct_battery.htm

.
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1996 Polo Green LSi #216..138,100 miles...SOLD

JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995.....
Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan

In-Service Date: January 2, 1997



"The Pristine Green Polo Machine”
First Polo Green on the Network
First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000)
First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007)
First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013)

HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler.


R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016

2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback

2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles.
Plenty of parts, service and windshields.


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Last edited by svxcess; 12-22-2014 at 01:18 AM.
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  #8  
Old 12-21-2014, 02:50 PM
92snowmachine 92snowmachine is offline
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Re: Christmas tree lights?

I don't want to start an argument, especially with a well respected guru of the svx, but I disagree.
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1978 Ford F150 w/ stroked 460
1986 Volvo 740 turbo wagon
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  #9  
Old 12-21-2014, 05:12 PM
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Re: Christmas tree lights?

.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 92snowmachine View Post
I don't want to start an argument, especially with a well respected guru of the SVX, but I disagree.


I do not want to start an argument either, this is just an additional reply to my previous post. There is a possibility that it can be done, but not a guarantee.
I have seen this method do damage on more than one vehicle. To me, the risk outweigh the gains, unless I know the alternator is good. Just adding some facts.


With the battery disconnected, in most instances the alternator voltage
sensing circuit will remain connected, and provided the alternator and its
regulator are working perfectly, and do provide absolutely instant
regulation, damage may not occur.

However, with the battery disconnected and the alternator is FAULTY, as was
suspected, (The very reason for the test being carried out.) damage is very
likely to occur. Faulty rectification or regulation of the output voltage,
can present high voltage spikes on line, or at the worst a constant
over-voltage situation.

With the battery disconnected, even if the alternator is OK, the alternator
can deliver a high-voltage spike BEFORE regulation takes place. There is no
question that such a spike will damage unprotected electronic components.


With the battery connected, the regulator circuitry and included capacitance,
becomes energized immediately when the ignition is turned on, and therefore
is energized and ready to instantly respond to the anticipated alternator output.
Voltage control is therefore normally rendered instantaneously.

.
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Subaru Ambassador

1996 Polo Green LSi #216..138,100 miles...SOLD

JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995.....
Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan

In-Service Date: January 2, 1997



"The Pristine Green Polo Machine”
First Polo Green on the Network
First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000)
First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007)
First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013)

HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler.


R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb. COW March 4, 2016

2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback

2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles.
Plenty of parts, service and windshields.


4th Registered Network member —2/21/2001

My NEW locker..I...My Email..I..Wikipedia/SVX .

.

Last edited by svxcess; 12-22-2014 at 01:17 AM.
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