Alternator problem?

1. Technics_1210 Infrequent Poster Joined: Dec 2010 Stratford upon Avon Posts: 223 T reg VTR, Facelift Corolla T sport

   #1 28th June 2011, 08:53

   My car broke down the other day and i lost all power, i can jump start it but it cuts out again just after. I did a voltmeter reading on the battery when the engine was running and it read 6 volts, just wondering if anyone could clarify if this would definitely be an alternator fault before i buy a new one. Thanks
2. Stevo123 Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 Redcar Posts: 1971 2000 Posi Blue vtr

   #2 28th June 2011, 13:51

   99.9% alternator not pushing juice out. Easy job, think it better to remove alternator from under the car due to space IIRC. Don't overtension the belt when refitting. Note your battery might be knackered now duw to letting it get so flat but you might get away with it until the weatehr gets colder again.

   1 user thanked this post: Technics_1210
3. seddon89 Frequent Poster Joined: Jul 2010 gateshead Posts: 807 vw golf GTI citroen saxo forte 02 plate vw polo

   #3 28th June 2011, 20:53

   check how tight the fan belts is mate
4. muttonjeff L-plater Joined: May 2011 Posts: 57

   #4 28th June 2011, 21:16

   If the Alternator belt is not squeaking and its nice and tight then it looks knackered.
   
   Alternators have no magnets in them, they need power from the battery to generate magnetism - initially -, then when going generate power.
   
   
   Once going you dont need a battery to power the field coil - and you can take the battery off forever while the engine ie is running.
   
   
   Your battery may be so bad its not fuelling the field coil enogh to help the alternator generate power initially!
5. Technics_1210 Infrequent Poster Joined: Dec 2010 Stratford upon Avon Posts: 223 T reg VTR, Facelift Corolla T sport

   #5 29th June 2011, 12:55

   Turns out it was just a broken wire at the back of the alternator. Fixed now