Charging faulty message and layer generator code

[acarty]

Hi All,

I’m asking for some advice before I’ve properly looked into it, but just wondering if any had heard of it before. Tonight the charging faulty message came up with the red battery symbol between the clocks. The Carly code is 004A17 layer generator. It keeps coming on and off, when on the battery isn’t charging according to Carly live readings (12V) but when off it’s showing over 14V.

Going to take the alternator off tomorrow to have a proper look but any ideas? New battery only a year ago and no issues like this before.

Thanks very much.

[Alan Gunn]

The alternator is the fault.
Showing 12v when light on is saying not charging.

[X5Sport]

The only sensible reference to that fault code I can find says it is to due with the regulator unit in the alternator, so it looks like you have a failed unit as Alan suggests. 

[acarty]

Thanks very much both, the charging fault message kept appearing on the way to work this morning and showed less than 12V all the way. I assume replacement alt would be the first port of call? Or do I take a chance on changing the voltage regulator (£50)? New battery last year and I'm sure that gave a high battery discharge message, not charging fault? Another code appeared this morning - 4A18 layer generator.

Had a look and found a genuine reconditioned unit for £100 on a return basis (12 month warranty) or they are looking around £300 for a new one... what do you think would be the best route?

Thanks for your help on this.

[Alan Gunn]

£50 get a chance of fixing it.
£100 gets you a 12 month warranty.
I know what i would do for the extra £50.

[acarty]

Thanks Alan. Just to update, I took the alternator off yesterday and found that the brushes on the voltage regulator are completely worn down....





Question is do I still spend the £100 for the refurbished alternator or just buy the voltage regulator for £50.... I'm thinking like you said Alan the extra £50 could be money well spent.

Thanks,
Andy.

[Alan Gunn]

The way my luck goes if i spent the £50 it would fail in a month or so.
If i spent the £100 i would have no problems for years.
And knowing me i would blow the £50 and end up spending £150 if you get what i am saying lol.

[acarty]

Thanks for all your help Alan, much appreciated :thumbup:

I've just ordered the refurbished unit so fingers crossed will fix the issue.... I will fit it when it comes tomorrow and update.

Might make a DIY for removal/replacement of the alt as I didn't need to remove half of the things the online manual told me to!