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