Charging system — check (Opel Astra F)

If the ignition indicator lamp does not light when the ignition is turned on, check the alternator wiring. If everything is OK, check to see if the indicator lamp is burnt out and the lamp holder in the instrument panel is not loose. If the signal still does not turn on, check the circuit from the alternator to the lamp holder. If the circuit is OK, the alternator is faulty and should be replaced or repaired.

If the ignition indicator lamp lights up while the engine is running, stop the engine and check the drive belt tension and the reliability of the connections to the alternator. Check the alternator brushes and slip rings. If the fault is not yet found, the alternator must be replaced or sent for repair.

If there is a suspicion that the generator output is unsatisfactory, the stabilized voltage can be checked as follows.

Connect a voltmeter in parallel to the battery terminals and start the engine.

Increase the engine speed until the voltmeter readings are stable; the scale should show approximately 12-13 V, but not more than 14 V.

Turn on as many auxiliary electrical equipment as possible and make sure the generator maintains a stabilized voltage in the range of 13-14 V.

The source is on the online website: www.OPELBOOK.ru

If the stabilized voltage does not correspond to the specified one, the defect probably lies in worn brushes, weak brush springs, faulty voltage stabilizer, burnt out diode, etc.