[Guest]

Hi All,

I'm having some more problems with my RSX, and am looking for some opinions.

My local dealer was convinced that my electrical gremlins were being caused by a duff battery, and duly replaced it under warranty. Unfortunately, the problems haven't gone away, and the dealer is now claiming that what I am seeing is normal.

So, what am I seeing, I hear you ask. Well, the biggest problem appears to centre around a massive voltage drop when a lot of electrical equipment is running. The simplest thing I can do to reproduce this is turn on the lights (not full beam), heated rear window and air conditioning. When you then turn on the fan (to activate the air. con.) all of the lighting in the car almost goes out, and the engine hiccups and nearly stalls. If you repeat the exercise with about 5000rpm (to discount the alternator not running to speed at low revs), then the exact same thing happens.

I'm pretty sure that this is not normal, as no other car I have ever had experiences this kind of problem.

I've discounted the battery, as it has now been properly load tested by another local garage. This leaves me thinking that either the alternator is not working correctly, or it's just not pushing out enough power.

I've also had some problems with front fog lamps, as they keep blowing 20A fuses. I've now left the fuse out until it gets looked at.

Another problem that's just occurred is a really weird clunking sound from the OSF suspension. It sounds exactly like my old Renault 19 16V did when it's CV joint was on the way out. It doesn't occur when turning, just when going over quite large bumps, e.g. speed bumps. The car has never done this before last Wednesday. Anyone got any clues as to what it might be?

Enough of my rambling. All opinions appreciated.

Andy.

 

[Guest]

Air con really drains the my E4 ,my engine note ups in revs when the air con is switched on .
and I can see the lights dip ,but extra few revs bring all to life again.I have the small battery fitted ,but never any problems.
My old scoob was terrible for this .
Have you had the loom checked over for any shorting out.blown fuses are usually synonomous with power surges/ over loading.Just see what happened to matey's scoob that went up in smoke because of his alarm.
HH6 should be more capable of answering Electrical power surges.

cheers

Paul s

 

[Guest]

Andy

I can't help much, but I'll give you my twopenneth.

Lots of guys have experienced the clunking sound - I believe you will find that a roll bar bush has become displaced. the solution is to fit an upgraded bush (warranty should do this).

On electrics, I've had a new battery and looks as though I may need another soon. I also experience large voltage drops when the ac is on - but not severe enough to stall the engine (your garage must fix this). I think the slight voltage drop is part and parcel of E6 ownership. However, yours does seem extreme - take it to Dudley and get them to look at it!

 

[Guest]

Bagpuss,
Difficult to diagnose a problem like this at a distance , but I can suggest as follows,
1/ Change yr garage , it sound's like they know **** all !
2/ Have a voltage check done on the vehicle , engine running with varying loads until a problem is indicated , regardless of battery size the system shud maintain just over 14 volts even with everything on.
3/ Suspect items wud be , earthing , alternator (this will incorporate the regulator) , loose battery cables (check both ends , not just the battery end) and least likely on a new'ish vehicle , excessive current draw on an item of electrical equipment.
4/ Carefully check the earthing of the engine to body and battery to body.
5/ Check that the live from the battery is secure to the fuse box and not high resistance.

Shud u not feel confident with DIY for the above have a reputable car electrical specialist check it , it isn't rocket science but it is neccesary to understand the principles and I'm afraid most dealer's just don't , most of them call in independant specialists when they get stuck.

 

[Guest]

All good advice especially Evoboy.

I suspect it is the voltage regulator in the alternator if nothing else is apparent but I can't be certain. If you want to try another alternator to see if thats the problem then I have one going spare off my knackered engine (E6 GSR) that you can borrow to try. I don't have the car or bits back yet but I should be picking it up monday.
I believe you are getting your car sorted at Mill Lane just like me (seem to remember from somewhere else?)
In that case you shouldn't be too far away from me as I am over in the Liphook/Haslemere area.
Drop me a mail, ICQ etc. if you want to try it.

 

[Guest]

It won't be the aircon! If you still have problems @5000rpm (making approx 180bhp!?), it can't be loading on the a/c compressor (if it was your compressor would have melted by now). Must be alternator, change it and see, it's the cheapest way to go for starters (auto electricians charge a fortune per hour).

 

[Guest]

Changing the alternator the cheapest way? Obviously you've never had to change one on an Evo before!

Figure £180 for the part and at least a few hours labour.

 

[Guest]

Thanks to all for the information so far.

The alternator is currently my number one suspect, but bad earthing or a periodic short will also be investigated.

As for the cost of an alternator, it's expensive, but I'm not paying. I guess either Mitsubishi UK or Ralliart will pick up the bill as the fault has been with the car since delivery about 6 weeks ago.

Andy.

 

[Guest]

Have heard of a auto electrician that there were a batch of cars ,which when air con is put on battery drains ,if i remember rightly it was something to do with a faulty pump.Anyway i would strongly recomend getting the garage to get a auto electrician in,simply they know what to look for most mechanics/ garages just start swapping things and call in the electrician last.

 

[Guest]

I've had some electrical troubles myself and finally got it sorted at Ralliart in Dudley, give them a call?