4JB1 lights on dash

[magicdeo]

Hi, my ute is a 97 rodeo with 2.8TD. Every time I cold start the ute, the battery and water separator lights stay on for 5 seconds or so until the voltage comes up and out they go. Likewise if I ever go through deep water, these lights will illuminate for a short time before going out. This morning I started my ute for the first time in 2 weeks and these 2 lights won’t go out. The motor started perfectly, voltage is at 14.25 with the motor running but even after multiple starts the lights stay on. Battery terminals are clean etc. any ideas?

Cheers

[geeves]

Sounds like charge relay. First check the alternator output for any ac present. This will blow a charge relay and means the diode pack is faulty in the alternator. If there is no AC replace the relay. 2 types blue or brown. Dont know what the difference is but you cant interchange them

[magicdeo]

Thanks geeves. I just had a play, the heater fan or A/C don’t work with the charge relay installed but if I pull the charge relay out they both work as normal. Does this sound like a faulty relay? What is the job of the relay if I’m still getting 14.2v with it removed? Is it safe to drive the car?
When the relay was removed, I started the car and measured the relay contacts in the fuse box for voltage, I got 14.2vDC and 0.2v AC

[geeves]

0.2 is nothing replace ther relay. It has a voltage sense inside it. Often when the regulator fails in the alternator the relay gets exposed to high voltage ac and will blow although that normally shows as alt lights on then a while later they go back off but the battery goes flat. Its unusual to fail like yours but not unheard of

[magicdeo]

Where can I buy a relay? Are they hard to find? Can I drive the ute until I find one?

[geeves]

Good question. Here we just go to the auto sparky and one is easily obtained but Australia dont know. Should be ok to drive

[turnturn]

I'd try some auto electricians or the Isuzu dealer. Maybe a Holden dealer if one still exists locally.

[stardog]

what color is your charge relay blue or brown for your rodeo and the pin configuration i think i have a blue 1 in my spare parts box will have to have a look.