IR P185WIR & XP185WIR Troubleshooting: Alternator Lamp Stays On
If the alternator warning lamp on your Ingersoll Rand P185WIR or XP185WIR stays lit while the engine is running, it’s a clear sign the electrical charging system isn’t working right. Here's how to track down the cause and prevent battery failures or bigger electrical issues.
Common Causes of Alternator Lamp Staying On
- Loose or broken belts: If the belt that drives the alternator is slipping or broken, the alternator can't produce enough voltage to charge the battery.
- Loose wire connection: Faulty connections at the alternator or battery can disrupt the charging circuit, triggering the warning lamp.
- Defective battery: A failing battery can cause charging system errors even if the alternator itself is working correctly.
- Malfunctioning alternator: Worn brushes, bad bearings, or internal failures in the alternator itself can prevent it from generating enough output.
- Malfunctioning circuit board: On some models, the circuit board monitors system voltage—if it malfunctions, it can falsely trigger the alternator lamp.
Recommended Fixes
- Inspect and replace loose or broken belts that drive the alternator.
- Check and secure all electrical connections at the alternator, battery, and circuit board.
- Test and replace the battery if it's failing or showing low cranking voltage.
- Test the alternator output and replace it if it's not producing enough voltage.
- If everything else checks out, inspect and replace the circuit board if necessary.
Wrap-Up
If the alternator lamp stays on, it’s your compressor’s way of telling you that the electrical system isn’t keeping up. Diagnosing the issue early will keep your P185WIR or XP185WIR running strong and prevent getting stranded with a dead battery.