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Old January 14th 07, 01:59 PM posted to rec.aviation.owning
Blueskies
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Default DA40-180 G1000 Alternator warning light mystery

When I was working on my instrument rating (way back when!) I was under the hood doing some airwork, when I noticed that
the radios went away and the T&B was not working right. I thought 'what did the instructor do now', so I continued
flying partial panel and started troubleshooting. Couldn't figure out what he did, so I asked him. He was just as
puzzled as I was, it looked like we just suddenly lost all electrical power. Fortunately we were in clear VFR
conditions, so we returned to the field, got the light gun signal, and landed (gear came down OK?). As we were taxiing
off the runway, we bumped over an expansion joint and everything came back on. They ended up troubleshooting that thing
for three days before they found an intermittent connection on some connector...

Moral of the story, electrical stuff can really hurt you, so spend the time and get it fixed before committing to any
IFR at all (or even flying it for that matter). I would get Diamond involved also...

Dan D.


"Sweendawg" wrote in message
oups.com...
: Little help from the list:
:
: I've had two shops look at my DA40 and no luck. Two weeks ago I flew
: pretty heavy IFR long x-c (Leesburg, VA to St Loius, MO) the plane sat
: on the ramp in the rain overnight one night. Next morning the
: "Alternator Failed- the battery is the only power source" red warning
: came on.
:
: I immediately went into the shop where I was and had them look at it
: and put a Fluke on the connection just in front of the firewall. This
: is after looking at the alternator, checking the tension of the belt,
: making sure everything was dry,etc. I continually watch the system info
: to make sure the vlots are 28 +/- when the engine is at cruise, so I
: know the alternator is working. The plane seems to be running fine, but
: it's not a comforting warning light or thing to have dinging constantly
: on approach.
:
: The warning light now predictably comes on during most run-ups, and
: stays on for climb out and back on at decent. This makes me think a
: sensor is overheating or something.
:
: Anyone have any ideas or similar issue?
:
: Thanks.
:
: Sweendawg
: