My 97 XK8 does not charge. The warning light came on while I was driving and stays on. Voltage is 11.5 approx. I have checked the connections in the boot including the infamous fuse box. All clean and tight. There is a connection point in the engine bay somewhere according to the diagram. Any idea where it is located?

I have not yet checked for12V at the middle pin at the alternator control connector, is it better to access from above or below?

 

Friend everything points to a failing alternator. If alternator was working you'd see >13 volts at idle.

Not sure what you were looking to test.

Let's save your time.
1) find a Denso brand replacement.
2) its not a complex job. Just nitty gritty and dirty. Figure it'll take close to 2 hours the 1st time you do it,, close to 40min the 2nd time.
3) take the fan out. If you've never done it b4, seems intimidating. Believe me it's harder to install windshield wiper blades! Tell us if you are going to do the job 1st time. A couple of procedures I learned the hard way. Would like to fill you in.
4) speaking of lessons learned: Take the old alternator with you to pick up the new one! I didn't. Got home, looked at old vs new - REALIZATION STRIKES - someone somewhere put an alternator in the box that looked identical in all ways except the mounting holes! Ouch.

Its on you Friend. Tell us how we can help.
Edit: you'll probably have to reuse the pulley. Do you have an impact wrench?

John

 

Thanks, first time I replace alternator on the xk, in fact only thing I have replaced on it is the thermostat housing and adding a bluetooth/DAB adapter that the head unit thinks is a CD so any hints are appreciated.

Suppliers having an alternator for my car on stock are not likely in my part of the world so I have ordered a Denso unit from a supplier who normally know what they do, part number correct an part stated as OEM. We will see....

 

+1 to Johnken

Replacement of the alternator is DIY-able. If I can do in the Middle East at the height of summer heat, so can you. Just do it, as the age of our cars mean most of our alternators are close to expiring