G'day all,

I've got a strange problem to throw out there. The charging system on my ute only charges on the second start. So basically when I first start her up, the altenator doesn't charge at all. No alt light comes on or anything, just the lights are real dim and if I drive a long distance the battery will go flat.

But if I just shut the engine down and restart it the charging system works fine. Charges at a full 14.4 volts after the restart.

I've had the altenator apart and the brushes look fine. I've replaced the voltage regulator with a new adjustable one. I've run a 4 gauge wire straight from the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal on the altenator. I've even replaced the battery with a brand new one.

I don't mind the restart procedure, I just get sick of being looked at in car parks when I start and restart the engine. And I hate having a subtle problem that I can't fix, sorta challenges my manhood... lol

Assuming the charging system isn't radically different than over here, I can't think of a single explanation for that behavior. A loose wire woouldn't be that consistent.

If you have a volt meter, see what the voltage is when it first fires up.

Dave

Ignition Switch?

The volt meter reads battery voltage on first startup, ie 12 volts give or take. After the restart it's 14.5 volts. I'll have to check the ignition switch as suggested.

Thanks for the replies guys.

It's really odd that the charge light isn't coming on when clearly the battery is discharging. Is this a mechanical regulator or electronic?

Itś a mechanical regulator. Only about 3 months old. Had the same problem with the old electronic/solid state one.

Well, I'm about out of ideas here, other than to ask if there is any custom wireing on the truck or is it stock other than the regulator?