Alternator light | FerrariChat

Alternator light

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by ferraridriver, Mar 13, 2010.

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  1. ferraridriver

    ferraridriver F1 Rookie

    Aug 8, 2002
    4,134
    Bay Area Calif.
    Full Name:
    Dave
    I just got back from a month in Mexico, drove the 550 for the first time and the alternator light is on. It had the battery tender plugged in while we were gone so the battery it strong, but light stays on.

    Any ideas about what I'm in for?

    Anyone have rebuilt alternator info?
     
  2. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Feb 7, 2002
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    Barry Wolinsky
    Dave,

    Is it only the alternator light in the warning light display on the upper left side of your instrument pod? Does the down battery light in the center display come on too? Did you check your alternator belt?

    Barry
     
  3. ferraridriver

    ferraridriver F1 Rookie

    Aug 8, 2002
    4,134
    Bay Area Calif.
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    Dave
    Both lights are on, I haven't checked the belt yet, only looked in and I didn't see a belt laying on the belly pan. It was fine when I parked it a month ago.
     
  4. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,574
    The Brickyard
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    The Bad Guy
    #4 ernie, Mar 15, 2010
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2010
    Sounds like your voltage regulator could have bitten the dust??? But before you go rebuilding the alternator, in addition to checking the alternator belt tension, make sure you check all the connections on the battery, and even have the battery load tested.

    If it turns out your regulator has given up the ghost, here's the rebuild how-to http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142329
    Even though it's for a 348 alternator it should be really close for your 550 unit, since they are both Nippondensos.
     
  5. ferraridriver

    ferraridriver F1 Rookie

    Aug 8, 2002
    4,134
    Bay Area Calif.
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    Dave
    Alternator shop just called, said the rotor (I would have called it the commutator) is totally shot, brushes torn up. She said it looks exactly like a Lexus alternator and she can't believe how bad the rotor looks with only 16K miles.

    Anyway, she said it will be like new for $110.00

    I'll know tomorrow when I get it back and installed.
     
  6. ferraridriver

    ferraridriver F1 Rookie

    Aug 8, 2002
    4,134
    Bay Area Calif.
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    Dave
    Got it back, everything is fine now, they had to replace the rotor and regulator. Total price. $145.00

    The copper was worn completely away on half the commutator.
     
  7. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Nov 19, 2001
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    Nice.

    Thanks for the update.
     
  8. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 14, 2003
    60,788
    In front of you
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    BCHC
    Screw that yellow box! :):) 550 guys don't fall for that $600+ oil change nonsense! :D:D:D
     
  9. mrp_e

    mrp_e Formula Junior

    Dec 19, 2003
    844
    Coasts
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    Bill
    Left Palm Springs Sunday morning in the 550 and was making great time. Headed home to MA. And then near the TX / OK border,.... 14 hours in to a 40 hr drive ... the battery light comes on. 2AM, off I-40, middle of nowhere. Pulled in to a no-name station that looks abandoned. AAA can’t get anyone out until “later in the morning” (it was 2AM). So I’m waiting for the tow to a shop in Oklahoma City 200 miles away ...$$$$ ...and here talking to the service station owner who swears his real name is David Crocket. His wife of 53 years says he makes the best coffee in town. I don’t drink coffee but today I am.
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  10. mrp_e

    mrp_e Formula Junior

    Dec 19, 2003
    844
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    Bill
    So far, belt chunks underneath. Hope that’s it. The fellas at Edmon Motorwerks outside OK City helping me out. Plenty of nice Italian hardware in the shop, if you’re from the area you’re in good hands.
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  11. hwyman

    hwyman Formula Junior

    Jun 25, 2015
    329
    Canada / Los Angeles
    At least you made it to a competent shop.... puts a damper on the drive tho
     
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  12. mrp_e

    mrp_e Formula Junior

    Dec 19, 2003
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  13. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 19, 2008
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    Lucky you were somewhat near competent techs. Lots of places on that drive where that was not true.
     
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  14. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    And, Bill, I commend you for carrying your tow hook in your car. Many owners keep it in their tool kit stashed away in a closet.

    Safe travels. Enjoy your overnight stay in Oklahoma!

    Barry
     
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  15. mrp_e

    mrp_e Formula Junior

    Dec 19, 2003
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    Thx my man, knowing to keep the complete toolkit in the car comes from experience ;-/
     
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  16. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I have to say,
    The front of your bumper is beautiful, and no I am not being facetious. It shows that you drive your Ferrari! Bravo sir, bravo.
     
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  17. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Bill has a collection of bugs on his bumper from California to the New York Island...





    :)

     
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  18. mrp_e

    mrp_e Formula Junior

    Dec 19, 2003
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    Bill
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  19. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Love it!
     
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  20. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    26,292
    socal
    Man you got lucky. That's an easy fix. To me it is so ridiculous that the bearing would fail. There is so little to it. If a bearing house near by you can press out the old install the new. The longest part of the job is putting the undertray back in.

    If I didn't have bad luck I would have no luck at all. If that happened to me, there would be no open shop for 500miles. I would be at a gas station owned by homer. I'd be "paying" homer to use his lift and tools and fixing it myself because homer don't do I-tall-ian cars
     
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  21. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Me too!
     

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