BLACK CAB Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 Can anyone help with locating the earth points on a 200TDI. I have the battery earthed to the gearbox alloy case, but I am unable to find the earth from the engine/transmission to the body/chassis . There is no earth strap from any of the starter motor bolts . Symptoms are (first time) start from cold the charge light dose not always go out and the lights are some times a little dim, this is until engine speed is increased a few hundred RPM. After this the charge light remains extinguished and the lights are bright regardless of engine speed or whether the engine is stopped and restarted. The charge circuit from the alternator to the battery also checks out ok. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks Rod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiWhite Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 Sort the earths out - they'll cause mucho grief if they're dodgy. Will only cost a few quid. Earth the battery to the chassis - normal point is on the rear trailing arm mount on the nearside of a 90. Earth the alternator to somewhere on the chassis - means you won't get earth related charging problems. Factory engine earth strap is IIRC on the nearside of the block - it will be an open braided cable to the engine mount I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 (edited) There should be a earth cable from the engine block to the chassis at the left engine mounting, the cable should bypass the rubber mount & another earth from the starter battery to the gearbox casing, I've just taken 3 pics of the earth cables on my 200Tdi 110 for you. rear of alternator/power steering pump mount end of earth cable [see next pic for other end] battery -ve earth cable to gearbox end hope they help, can add part numbers if wanted Edited November 18, 2006 by western Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLACK CAB Posted November 18, 2006 Author Share Posted November 18, 2006 Thanks Ralph/Simon, I have been out and had a good look. The Block to engine mount cable is missing . I will make up something tomorrow and bolt on as per Ralphs Photo's . I'll let you Know how it goes. Rod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted November 18, 2006 Share Posted November 18, 2006 The missing cable would most likely be the cause of your problems, it's probably half the diameter of the main earth from battery to gearbox, but a thicker one would be better. solder the rings on if possible, if not a good strong crimped joint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjojjas Posted November 19, 2006 Share Posted November 19, 2006 just for info, I discovered that there wasn't always an earth fitted from the starter to the chassis. mine wasn't and I had this discussion when I first got the defender and several others said there wasn't always one. I fitted one anyway, about £4 at a local car spares place. Jas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smego Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 Wondered where is was I have a issue where driving though a puddle (deep-ish) causes the battery light to flicker so suspected the earth strap, I have one I brought for an car about 12 years ago and never used think I will bung that on as it's large gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 that'll be the alternator belt slipping or water in alternator, I get it occasionally on my 110 when I've driven through deep puddles, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Wondered where is was I have a issue where driving though a puddle (deep-ish) causes the battery light to flicker so suspected the earth strap, I have one I brought for an car about 12 years ago and never used think I will bung that on as it's large gauge. I've found its well worth putting on extra ones if you have them lying around, mine is earthed multiple times now and all the flickering light problems I got with the car have gone (touch wood)! Edit: Yes your problem is almost certainly the slipping belt if the puddle is deep enough to touch it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smego Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 I've found its well worth putting on extra ones if you have them lying around, mine is earthed multiple times now and all the flickering light problems I got with the car have gone (touch wood)! Edit: Yes your problem is almost certainly the slipping belt if the puddle is deep enough to touch it. Oh ok (thanks both of you) should be easy fix then, makes sense as the fan belt was replace the day I went up to see it with a brand new one, will tighten it up then, it's a normal moving bracket type alternator on a 110 isn't it? Surprised I have had no squealing from it? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 it's a normal moving bracket type alternator on a 110 isn't it? Surprised I have had no squealing from it? Thanks! Its pretty normal for it to slip a little in my experience when wet, but can't hurt to check its tight enough. On a 200tdi it should just be a tensioning bolt so pretty straightforward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Murphy Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 It's the alternator that tensions the belt on a 200 Tdi. Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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