A couple of days ago I was merrily driving along when on the dash info popped up

Battery not Charging

Obviously a miriad of posibilities pass through ones mind

Is the battery dead?
Is the alternator knackered?
Is the regulator knackered? - Hope not, dont fancy AC running through my heated seats

Anyway I got home with the warning fickering on and off, notably when the air con was on and the brake pedal pressed - Rather obviously

When I got out of the car there was a burning smell - Like burning rubber - Instant thought was siezed alternator causing belt to have to slide over the pully - Straight to the net - New alternator and belt? - HOW MUCH...

Lifted the bonnet and sure enough the smell was there but the belt was warm but not HOT - Odd, so no seizure I recon

Next, start the engine and check input voltage to battery, warning light still on at this stage - 12.5 volts coming in to a battery kicking out 12.0 when not under load - So it was charging of sorts but not enough especially when under load

A closer inspection under the bonnet showed the issue



One of the radiator hoses (metal one, possibly a oil cooler one?) had become attached to the alternator and had broken through the alternator cooling fins and was arcing against the alternator internals



Fortunately I was able to coax the pipe away from the alternator and I am back to charging correctly with no lasting damage

I am puzzeled though as to how this could happen

Engine flex? - Could be
Impact? - Unlikely
Just one of those things? - Mmm

Regards


XJR 308

 

Engine flexx is a good possibility. You might want to check the condition of the motor mounts. That would be the most likely source of engine flex.