Another Brake/Charging Question

petevo · Post by **petevo** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 1:35 am

Hi! I have a 2001 Leganza. In January and February, when I started the car, the Charging and Brake lights came on simultaneously and went off simultaneously after 10 seconds. Today, 7 months later, they went on and stayed on after the car sat in a damp, warm garage for a few days. Each time they were on it was apparent that the battery was not charging as the headlights got brighter when they went off. Today I started the car 5 times and got it home in the garage before the battery was too weak to start. As I got to the garage, the tach stopped working, the air bag light flashed, the gear indicator and brake/charging light were very dim, the radio turned off, the turn signals flashed fast and dim, and the speedometer jumped around. I got the car in the garage and the battery was too weak to engage the starter.

OK...so, the charging system is probably the culprit. There is plenty of brake fluid and the brakes are in good condition. I smell "alternator" or something, but I'm wondering if there is anyone who has been through this hell who knows what's going on. As you Daewooie's know, finding parts in a teeny town in Wisconsin is a problem so I have to approach my mechanic with an idea to pursue.

Help, if you can, please.

Thank you!

Pete

Daniel · Post by **Daniel** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 7:04 am

Hi,

If this is the original battery it's maybe time to get a new one. That's what I would do first since even any battery can fail.

Daniel

BosnianLanos · Post by **BosnianLanos** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 1:21 pm

Smells like alternator to me. Maybe you have a bad ground, but my bet is that you have to replace your alternator.

Very similar thing happened to my Lanos.

petevo · Post by **petevo** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 11:17 pm

Thanks for your insights and help everyone.

My mechanic confirmed that it's the alternator and I'm lucky that there's one available so I should be set.

Your willingness to lend advice and help is greatly appreciated!!!!

Pete

SinishaS · Post by **SinishaS** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:19 am

Maybe is not complet alternator faulty, maybe is just voltage regulator or brushes. Pop-out springs is possible problem. I assume it may be most likely cause of problem you have. And it's not so expensive.