battery light flashing intermittently

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1. clean, yr. old battery
2. rebuilt last year
3. new solid state external regulator
what am I looking for? It has always shown a voltage in the high 14V to 15V on the aux volt meter I installed. Do I need to install an amp gauge too? I still have the other style voltage regulator that looks like it might have a way to adjust output, I posted a question on this style with pictures to see if anyone can tell me if this one you can make adjustments or not, in the diesel section.
 
coldtaco said:
1. clean, yr. old battery
2. rebuilt last year
3. new solid state external regulator
what am I looking for? It has always shown a voltage in the high 14V to 15V on the aux volt meter I installed. Do I need to install an amp gauge too? I still have the other style voltage regulator that looks like it might have a way to adjust output, I posted a question on this style with pictures to see if anyone can tell me if this one you can make adjustments or not, in the diesel section.
Click to expand...
Of course belts not slipping and idle is correct rpm. Load test system is output correct? Discharge test on battery, even new still might be nfg. Good luck
 
I think of that light this way:
  • The battery tries to make the light come on but the flow of juice is overcome by the current the alternator (and regulator) are putting out n the opposite direction. If the light is on, the alternator and/or regulator is not charging properly. Battery problems also prevent correct charging. I have had faulty batteries kill an alternator/regulator that tried to fill the endless void of the messed up battery cells.
Yes, the amperage output is important. How much electrcity is really getting to the battery?
Ammeters that are installed in line between reglator and battery can be tricky. Since all the alternator current goes through it, it needs to be rbst. Faults cause fires. It is safer to install a shunt ammeter that is in parallel with the main charging wire/cable. These buggers have only a little current passing through.
Sizing a Shunt to a DC Ammeter - Blue Sea Systems

Sorry if that was too much info. I left out Kirchoff's Laws.
 
Cold Taco, I am in the same boat as you. I have a rebuilt alternator, newer battery, as such, I will look to buy a new external voltage regulator. I only get this "blinking" after a serious road trip, 400km or more. The next morning I get a light show on my dash panel. I never get the light show with around town driving. The light show disappears after she sits for a few days. Very weird to say the least.

And as Blue Ridge indicates, it is my understanding you need a double E degree from MIT to wire in an ammeter.
And the potential dangers outweigh the potential trouble shooting / situational awareness gain.
 
I just fitted a Bosch RE55 voltage regulator two wire hook up and charging 14.4 volts just above idle. I left the old regulator in place so to swap back if the Bosch units ever gives problems. The Bosch unit pumps more power into the battery at a lower RPM so if your running heaps of electric stuff winch, driving lights, stereo, amp, etc etc think about one of these but the problem is you lose the idiot lights for the alternator and filter lights. It's a simple process to swap back by removing two wires and plugging the stock plug back into the old regulator. The bosch unit is silver in color beside the stock unit in the photo below.
This may sound strange but the blinking light could mean the sedimeter water filter needs draining and also check the air filter is not blocked. :)

BOSCH REGULATOR 014.webp
 
+1 on the water warning light. I used to get the light after winching on my 12v dual battery system in my Hilux indicative of a load imbalance. Solved with a load regulator.
 
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