how_supra Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 My 1994 Renault Clio behaved oddly this evening, whilst driving home. Sat in traffic for about 10 minutes my battery light came on. So I pulled over in the petrol station [thinking back to my FTO experience, and that if im broken down Im going to do it where I can at least eat something], and turned the engine off for a minute - and it started fine - but the battery light was still on. So off I go, thinking Im nearly home please please please don't die I drove about three miles along the road, constant traffic at about 25mph - the battery light still on. As soon as I could I planted my foot dropped it into second, and tootled along the road as quickly as the poor little engine allowed and the stupid light went off. That was it, it disappeared? I should note that twice now I have needed a jump start as I left the lights on once and the radio on another time. What do you think? Worth taking it to ATS for a battery check? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 Hmmm, when the car is running, it is / should be totally powered by the alternator (unless it something like the fancy BMW regenrative braking system)... So I would perhaps suggest you get the alternator charging checked as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
how_supra Posted April 13, 2007 Author Share Posted April 13, 2007 If its the alternator Im going to stick a spoon in my eyes, and run in front of a very big moving truck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 i would have said the alternator too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absz Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 switch ignition on if you have a battery light then its the alternator. if there is no battery light with ignition on and engine not running, then i;ll check earth point first. but its still more than likely a blown diode in the alternator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 If you have a multimeter, check the voltage between the battery terminals with the engine running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
how_supra Posted April 13, 2007 Author Share Posted April 13, 2007 switch ignition on if you have a battery light then its the alternator. if there is no battery light with ignition on and engine not running, then i;ll check earth point first. but its still more than likely a blown diode in the alternator. Okay tried this turned the ignition on [engine off], the battery light is on [so are the other lights], but turn the engine on and the light goes out like you would expect. If you have a multimeter, check the voltage between the battery terminals with the engine running. Im going to run it down to ATS tomorrow. See what they say What is it with me and bleeding alternators. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markymark Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 I would say it sounds like the brushes on the Alternator are ready for replacing, was it a dim light when you where in traffic or full on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 Alternator, but check battery too as it could have been discharged by the alternator to such a point that its dying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
how_supra Posted April 14, 2007 Author Share Posted April 14, 2007 I would say it sounds like the brushes on the Alternator are ready for replacing, was it a dim light when you where in traffic or full on? it was flickering depending on how fast I was going. I can get a refurbed alternater for £60 so thats not as bad I first thought. Anyone know how hard these are to change? What sort of time scales before it does an FTO on me, any ideas? Thanks guys.................people should not let me near their cars ...... I must have some bizarre power where I can absorb the power from Alternators. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted April 14, 2007 Share Posted April 14, 2007 Or alt belt is loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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