Gearbox or alternator?

[ytt105]

Over 6 months ago I got the Transmission Fault with codes 0730 and 0735. I know these indicate transmission rebuild, but this happens only when towing 2ton van.

In over 6 months I've had issues with Trans Fault on probably 4 occasions only.

On every occasion I got different codes, sometimes one or the other of 0730, 0735, sometimes neither of them. Other codes I've had point to torque converter or transfer case and general comms issues ie, suspension, lights, audio.

I though I had it all sussed when I found that the radio suppressor on the side of the gearbox had a worn wire that had been contacting the gearbox.

But, last trip another minor issue in that I lost the gearbox indicators, (gear number, Sport or D display) again. Car performed fine, hilly country in manual.

Seems to be more electrical than mechanical.

Just to complicate matters, or possibly explain things, my alternator doesn't seem to operate properly.

It happily charges at 13.6v all the time, but doesn't kick off at 14.4 at first.

I replaced the doides only in the alternator about 18mths ago. Car has 195k kms now.

The other issues that need to be pointed out is that I have a Traxide with 2 aux batteries in the car and another battery in van also charged from the car.

That's a heavy load which may explain why my problems occur when towing.

[scarry]

What vehicle,what year?

May help with replys

[ytt105]

Sorry!

2005 D3TDV6

Thanks

[Graeme]

I would disconnect the 2 aux batteries to see if the voltage behaviour changes.

[ytt105]

Yep, done that. But I've just ordered a new alternator from UK.

Only $350 delivered for a Denso unit so thought I might as well just do it.

Great exchange rate at the moment!

Might look at some shocks soon too.

Regards

[scarry]

Sorry!

2005 D3TDV6

Thanks

I have never seen mine charge higher than 13.9V,using a cig lighter voltage device.

I think it is only the newer models,all 3.0l, with a Battery Monitoring System that charge higher.

[Ean Austral]

If your batteries are all good and hold charge it most likely don't need to go higher than the 13.6v.

I had a period of a random fault showing several months ago and it wasn't till I took the 6month old main start battery which showed 12.8v everytime I used the multi meter to the battery mob and got them to load test it and it was knackered. Alternator never went above 13.2 volts every time I checked it.

Fitted a new battery and not a single fault since . My fault was a 04 something fault code.

Plenty to check when fault finding these vehicles that's for sure.

Cheers Ean

[ytt105]

Mine has consistently shown 14+v just after starting. This is definitely abnormal behaviour for this car.

It was 18mths ago that I had to replace the diode pack in the caravan park at Katherine, and knowing my soldering skills this new alternator will at least give me peace of mind if it fixes nothing else!

[drivesafe]

Hi ytt, and 14+v just after starting is quite normal.

BTW, you can not over load an alternator, no matter how many batteries you have in the system.

I now have a number of D4 owners with three batteries in the D4 ( 1 x Cranking + 2 x Optima D34 ) and as many as 3 large house batteries in their caravans.

NO PROBLEMS!

All alternators are self current regulating, this is part of the voltage regulators job.