AX : battery or alternator fault?

KissMyAX · Unread post by **KissMyAX** » 18 Nov 2002, 17:05

Right, firstly a big thanks to the guys that helped me out before, with the idling probs/ cutting out. i did as you all said and changed distributor/ rotor arm, and all is fine....
But, yesterday, i was doinga lot of stop start type driving, with headlights, heaters etc on full blast. My final drive was a 10min one, and around half-way the radio hu turned off(no power), then a little further and the dash lights went, i managed to get the car home, by this time no power(little) to wipers. So i pulled up on drive, turned ignition off, tried starting again and nothing just clicking. left it for 10 mins and the batterry started the car, but with dimmed dash lights etc.
The batterry is a big muther (should go on 1.5D), and around 12 months old - so i'm thinking is it the chargin system??? Alternator?
just for info on saturday, i drove through quite a few flooded road, one time at a fair speed - could this have caused probs?
I'd be greatful for any ideas,
thanks,
LEE

mbunting · Unread post by **mbunting** » 18 Nov 2002, 17:33

Sounds to me like your battery is not being charged due to a problem. Normally all the electrics run off the alternator directly, but evidently that is not providing power, so they are taking power from the battery - which is not being re-charged by the alternator !
If it was working before the flood event, then one would suspect water problems. May be a red herring though.
Daft question - your fan belt is still intact, and not slipping ?
Use a multimeter on the alternator to see what voltage it's producing - you should really do this with the alternator-battery connection disconnected.

KissMyAX · Unread post by **KissMyAX** » 18 Nov 2002, 17:47

I drove the car all last week to work and back (12-15mile round trip), and all seemed fine. I tried the car again this morning but basically had the same problem, so had to go to work by bus, and had no time to check for faults. i will check belt and voltage from alt later, when i get back from work.
thanks for your fast responce,
LEE
If it is water what would be the signs to look for???

FFX-DM · Unread post by **FFX-DM** » 18 Nov 2002, 18:09

Is the battery light on on your dash? the fanbelt went twice on my AX, once after swimming through lots of floods and once because a lorry wheel nut bounced up off the road and hit it. Being a diesel, my car still started up and got me home (with no lights etc just in case). My nice mechanic charged me £20 the first time and £14 the second time to replace the belt. It occurs to me that the fan belt is in a particularly vunerable spot on the AX.

KissMyAX · Unread post by **KissMyAX** » 18 Nov 2002, 18:20

The battery light has appeared, but only quite dim, compared to the other dash lights? I also think that it was only since saturday, Mmmm That will b the first check point tonight, like i said i did go through one flooded road at speed, didn't see it till was too late, i quite expected the engine dieing but didn't.
thanks for your help - lets hope it is the belt, less hastle.
LEE

KissMyAX · Unread post by **KissMyAX** » 18 Nov 2002, 20:40

Well the Belt theory has been ruled out, as i have just had word from a mate who has just checked it for me, and he says its intact and tight enough!!!! Oh F**K looks like it could be alternator after all, i'll do the multimeter test tonight. Wish me luck...
LEE

Xantia786 · Unread post by **Xantia786** » 19 Nov 2002, 05:42

You say the battery light is coming on but dimly.That sounds like a diode has blown in the back of the alternator.This has happened to me several times and if left unattended it will eventually run the battery down.Best bet is to take off the alternator and find your nearest friendly auto electrcian or starter and alternator recondtioners who can,if the rest of the alternator is ok,solder in a new diode (or diodes)for a modest fee.Ideally, if funds allow, a reconditioned unit is better but that can be costly.Good luck and let us know how you get on.
B

Xantia786 · Unread post by **Xantia786** » 19 Nov 2002, 05:46

Sorry forgot to add as youve upgraded the battery a small problem can arise if you start using high consumption items such as heater,demister etc.Under these circumstances the alternator cannot cope and cannot replenish the battery adequately eventually leading to the demise of both battery and alternator.Not always the case but has been known to happen.Just a thought really.
B

mg46783 · Unread post by **mg46783** » 19 Nov 2002, 06:05

Change the alternator - Then you'lle be happy !

KissMyAX · Unread post by **KissMyAX** » 19 Nov 2002, 13:00

Thanks for all your help guys, i got the multimeter out last night to test accross the battery posts, with engine running, and i got a reading of 11.10V which slowly went down to just under 11v - so i think its time to bite the bullet and get an alternator, i've also been advised by a friend(not on here) that it could be the regulator???
thanks again, i will let you know what happens,
damn i hate busses

(

AdrianO · Unread post by **AdrianO** » 21 Nov 2002, 03:49

It could be the voltage regulator in the alternator. Your particular problem is too low a charging voltage, but it's also worth remembering that sometimes regulator failure is indicated by too high a voltage (which cooks a battery).
In which case try changing just the regulator -- it's often a slot-in component on the alternator, which in some cases you can do yourself (with the usual precautions re electrics) or dead easy for a garage (if you can't get easy access from underneath, as is sometimes necessary).
Regulators are much cheaper than alternators, go wrong more frequently, and unless you buy a brand-new alternator, chances are a reconditioned alternator will have a tired old regulator in it to go wrong sooner. (All this bitter experience ..

Try Sahib's (on the North Circular Rd in London). They did me a new regulator for a F**t for under £25 all-in. I've just checked their web site (www.sahibs.com) and they list 17 varieties for AXs so you should be in luck.
And BTW, I advise not to overtighten the alternator drive-belt, as excess strain could cause the bearing to fail (progressive squealing rasping noise), and that *would* entail a new alternator.
If that works, KissMyBXX (J-reg Meteor bought last year with under 17k on the clock, etc etc) -- only joking, the rest was serious

KissMyAX · Unread post by **KissMyAX** » 22 Nov 2002, 20:30

Cheers AdrianO, having a proper look into it on saturday, thanks for your help!!! will let u know what it turns out to be,
LEE
I'll take a pass on the metro though

Oh by the way its KissMyAX(as in KissMyASS)

KissMyAX · Unread post by **KissMyAX** » 25 Nov 2002, 13:06

Just to close the thread, i bit the bullet on Sunday and bought a new alternator, unfortunately this place wasn't open so had to go upto local Hellfords, because there was no way i was gonna be on public transport for one more day. Anyway all went well on sunday, on within 10-15mins, and this morning was a good test what with the fog and all. So i'm back on the road<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Thanks for all your help guys,
LEE