Overcharging

[Lee1981]

Hi everyone! Sorry my first post is a problem one! (And I hope it is in the correct place.?)I finally saved up enough and got a 2013 transit custom 2.2 SWB, love the van but I am now starting to have a few issues!
About 6 weeks ago my battery light came on and the battery wasn't charging so I had it tested and turn out it was the alternator, no problem had a new one fitted and has been as good as gold up until 2 days ago, now I keep getting a message saying overvoltage stop safely on the dash board... I checked the charge rate and it is approx 16v at approx 2,000 rpm, I have been told it should be approx 14 volts.. And the alternator could be charging to much, this seems slightly strange as the alternator is only 6 weeks old! Has anybody had any similar issues or advice I would be very grateful!
Cheers Lee

[Altransit]

I'm no expert, but if your alternator is pushing out 16V @2k revs, then I would say that the built-in regulator is faulty, and the result could cause a lot of issues with the electronics in your van, as well as a lot of blown bulbs Normal running voltage should be around 14.4v

Firstly, have you checked your volt meter for accuracy If it's a basic battery powered multimeter, the batteries can cause wrong readings if they're low in charge

[ake]

Either the new alternator is faulty, or the wiring or connections to it are faulty

[Lee1981]

Yes tried 2 multimeters so pretty sure that they are ok, plus it's comes up on dash with overcharging, I'll take a look at the connectors and probably get the alternator taken off and checked/replaced again. Cheers guys

[Frag]

Make sure the battery leads are tight...
All 4 if you have twins.
You'll have to remove cover to do this.

[Pug957]

Is the battery good?

Even with smart charging disabled there shouldn't be more than about 15v at the battery. Driving with headlights on with smart charging enabled should read about 13.5v.

The battery is more than just a store for electrical energy, it ties the voltage down to lower levels than what the alternator puts out. Standard alternators put out about 16-17v which is why you normally see about 13.5 to 14.5v with the engine running on a 12v system.

[Galway46]

Hi Lee,
Did you get to the bottom of this problem please. Ive had the same issue, i changed and checked both batteries, worked fine for about 2 months, now the warning of over charging has returned, did you replace the Alternator ?
Cheers
Col

[Arkadia]

I too have this problem and im sure its to do with wiring , had nothing but trouble with mine a 2013 model. All my troubles have been electrical . Worst van i ever bought

[AuldNick]

Do people go to live on the moon if they solve or don't solve a problem?
The amount of cliffhanger threads on the internet...
"Thanks for everyone's input I'll rub some X on it and get back with the results." (Sound of Saturn V starting.)

[Altransit]

Do people go to live on the moon if they solve or don't solve a problem?
The amount of cliffhanger threads on the internet...
"Thanks for everyone's input I'll rub some X on it and get back with the results." (Sound of Saturn V starting.)

Probably the most annoying aspect of forums, is when people post the problem, and never come back with a solution when they find it, or never come back and say that they've tried all of the tips and none of them have sorted the problem
The one that really bugs me is when they go to all of the trouble of signing up, make one post about their problem, and never even log back on to read the replies