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I recently had an alternator light remain illuminated after engine start. After warm up the light flickered some as I increased rpm and then went out at about 3000rpm. The temperature was in the high 30s. On the next flight the temps were in the 50s and the same thing happened. On the third flight the light shut off as it always had before. On both of the incident flights the light remind off after the engine had warmed up.

Any thoughts?
  • Re: Alternator Light

    by » 9 years ago


    I guess I should have added some more details.

    912ULS
    675 Hours
    Built in 2006
    Voltage regulator is mounted to the top port side of the firewall.

  • Re: Alternator Light

    by » 9 years ago


    I would clean the connections on the regulator/rectifier , make sure they are clean and tight, and especially that the ground is clean and tight.

  • Re: Alternator Light

    by » 9 years ago


    Thanks Kevin. I checked those connectionsame and put some dielectric grease on them. The flight yesterday was good.

    If this happens again do you think the problem is in the voltage regulator? I haven't heard much on this forum about actual generator failure.

    Alan

  • Re: Alternator Light

    by » 9 years ago


    It shouldn't have anything to do with OAT.
    At low rpms with enough electrical components on the generator light can flicker or come on solid. Usually advancing the throttle to higher rpms takes care of this. This isn't that uncommon. As planes have advanced over the years and people want more equipment power requirements have gone up. many now have front spot landing lights and those can be big energy users unless they are LED. In years gone past many only had a couple analog gauges and may or may not have had exterior lights. Now we have it all, until tomorrow and someone else comes along with a new instrument.

    Just warm up at 2300-2400 rpm and or keep some unnecessary electronics off until flight and more rpms.

    p.s.

    This can also be caused by poor grounding or loose ground wires. Tighten all grounds. They are considered hand tight, but wrench loose so put a wrench on all grounds.

    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


  • Re: Alternator Light

    by » 9 years ago


    Thank you Roger.

    The only power draw I have is a Xcom radio, a xponder, and a Ifly GPS. Steam gauges. I'll go back and do a ground check, with a wrench this time. :-)

    Alan

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