CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON...

[cliffdunedin]

When i was driving to get a new battery as the one i'm using is on it's last legs...so decided to turn back home and ask you forumers if you have any idea why it did!!

I'm assuming it would not have anything to do with the battery, there's plenty of oil, no unusual noises, no smoke etc it just came on!!

I have put my battery on the charger to see if that changes it but wold appriciate any info you guys may have to help me out!!

[cliffdunedin]

sorry it's a 1992-BF5-EJ20 WAGON

[Koom]

Have you checked for ECU codes?

[dubbedup]

is there a code for alternator (sp)?

[DRFVDR]

nope but somelights come on

Maybe it not the battery ;)

[cliffdunedin]

 Koom said:

Have you checked for ECU codes?

I checked but could not seem to locate the ecu or the connectors, a friend checked my codes when my WRX was having sensor probs so i have a reasonable idea what i'm looking for, anyone no specically where to find the ecu and/or connectors?

I started the old girl up and had her running for about 10 mins with no CEL warning...fingers crossed nothing is seriously wrong, would be ashame to retire a usually reliable car!

[cliffdunedin]

God shocking spelling lol know and specifically!!

[Koom]

Connectors should be up under the steering column area somewhere. Green ones and I think black ones.

They can be wrapped up around things and hard to locate in there though.

[log1call]

A flat battery/low voltage could cause the light to come on so I would get the battery and clear the codes then see what happens.

[cliffdunedin]

 log1call said:

A flat battery/low voltage could cause the light to come on so I would get the battery and clear the codes then see what happens.

After another 10 min run in my driveway and no CEL, i'm hoping thats what the prob is!!

[cliffdunedin]

OK so back to the drawing board...bought a new battery BUT my brand spanking new battery ran dead on me tonight and CEL light came on as it was dying, does this seem like a dead alternator and/or could it be something else??

Helps much appreciated!!

[dubbedup]

If you wanna try another alternator i have one on the project bf5 you can borrow, i might have one in the garage,

Did it go flat while you were driving? or just sitting in the driveway?

[cliffdunedin]

 dubbedup said:

If you wanna try another alternator i have one on the project bf5 you can borrow, i might have one in the garage,

Did it go flat while you were driving? or just sitting in the driveway?

Yeah while i was driving! I drove around during the day no prob, but as soon as it went dark and the Headlights came on things started to play up after about 5-10 mins driving!

[Guest boostin]

Stuffed alternator.

[log1call]

It sounds like the alternator isn't charging enough, but that could be a loose belt, worn brushes, dead regulator, bad earth or connection. Might be a good idea to get it diagnosed before fitting any more parts that may not actualy be needed(reffering to the battery here).

Diagnosis is cheaper than parts or fitting generaly, well it is if the people doing the diagnosing know what they are doing. Go see an auto electrician.

[cliffdunedin]

Thanks mate, was just gonna pull the alternator off and check the brushes-then replace! but may just take it too an auto elec!!

Cheers

[dubbedup]

if you need a perky auto electrician, my mate will hook you up...

[cliffdunedin]

Would have been good mate but really need it diagnosed asap

[dubbedup]

do you want me to bring an alternator over tonite after work??

or is it at the shop already?

[cliffdunedin]

 dubbedup said:

do you want me to bring an alternator over tonite after work??

or is it at the shop already?

Thanks mate but was already in getting checked...and yeah dead alternator!

Thanks guys for your help!