Electrical problem, oh nooo

1. coleman258 Established Member Joined: Nov 2008 Eastbourne Posts: 2474 Astra van daily Black Saxo VTR 16v'd kent PT51

   #1 27th September 2011, 19:48

   After driving the car for a few minutes the battery light starts flickering, also sounds like there is a party in the fuse box, makes all sorts of sounds when the battery light flickers.
   
   After a couple more minutes the battery light goes solid and the car sounds like it's going to die, idling just over 500 and lastnight the car broke down
   
   If i get in the car about 10 minutes later the battery light will still be on, but if i get in the car a few hours later it will be gone.
   
   Seems strange it only hapens when the car starts getting warm,
   
   Recently the connector broke on the alternator but i didnt realise so the car has had a brand new alternator, and a connector of one of my spare looms.
   
   Any ideas to the problem?
2. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #2 27th September 2011, 20:14

   Although your alternator is new get it tested as their may be a problem,double check the alternator connections as well mate.
3. KrisB Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 Dorking,Surrey,M25 J9 Posts: 2616 Static -80mm Peugeot 405

   #3 27th September 2011, 20:30

   Do you wanna pop it over to me if you can?
4. coleman258 Established Member Joined: Nov 2008 Eastbourne Posts: 2474 Astra van daily Black Saxo VTR 16v'd kent PT51

   #4 27th September 2011, 20:32

   Whats the best way to test it?
   
   I get 12v to the thick wire that bolts on top.
5. coleman258 Established Member Joined: Nov 2008 Eastbourne Posts: 2474 Astra van daily Black Saxo VTR 16v'd kent PT51

   #5 27th September 2011, 20:45

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by KrisB Do you wanna pop it over to me if you can?

   I can't drive more then a few miles anymore before it dies, but otherwise I would.
6. Slugshead Established Member Joined: Jan 2009 Cardiff Posts: 1087 1.4 Red Westcoast Mk2 Posi Blue VTS

   #6 28th September 2011, 00:08

   Ive had this happen 9 times now lol
   
   EAch time it was the alternator
   
   last time I finally got pissed off and replaced all the wiring too, been running perfect ever since
7. coleman258 Established Member Joined: Nov 2008 Eastbourne Posts: 2474 Astra van daily Black Saxo VTR 16v'd kent PT51

   #7 29th September 2011, 19:19

   Replaced the two thin wires that go to the plug on the alternator no joy,
   
   Would the thick wire going to the alternator cause this proplem?
   
   Also what are the chances it's a dodgy alternator and how do you test it?
   
   
   Are there any tests i can do with a multimeter?
8. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #8 29th September 2011, 22:39

   Any bad electrical connection going to the alternator will cause a problem,as regards testing the alternator the Halfrauds do a free test.

   1 user thanked this post: coleman258
9. Saxotim Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Nov 2007 Leeds Posts: 2865 172 Cup, Mk2 VTR

   #9 29th September 2011, 22:50

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by coleman258 Replaced the two thin wires that go to the plug on the alternator no joy, Would the thick wire going to the alternator cause this proplem? Also what are the chances it's a dodgy alternator and how do you test it? Are there any tests i can do with a multimeter?

   engine running, on voltage, one lead on output of alt (big wire) other on chassis/earth point/neg on battery. should read around 14v ish
   
   the output cable could cause this problem yes, as moisture gets into the connector and oxideses the copper, had it on my old one replaced the cable with some welding cable i had lying around with new terminals and was spot on.
10. Payney Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2007 Telford, Shropshire Posts: 6557 Mangooo

    #10 29th September 2011, 23:32

    My mate Ben had a slight issue and thats it was the plug but you say you've replaced this?
11. coleman258 Established Member Joined: Nov 2008 Eastbourne Posts: 2474 Astra van daily Black Saxo VTR 16v'd kent PT51

    #11 30th September 2011, 10:10

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Saxotim engine running, on voltage, one lead on output of alt (big wire) other on chassis/earth point/neg on battery. should read around 14v ish the output cable could cause this problem yes, as moisture gets into the connector and oxideses the copper, had it on my old one replaced the cable with some welding cable i had lying around with new terminals and was spot on.

    I've noticed this had been replaced before about a foot down so I will try replacing it again it doesn't look to healthy to be honest.
12. Saxotim Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Nov 2007 Leeds Posts: 2865 172 Cup, Mk2 VTR

    #12 30th September 2011, 10:27

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by coleman258 I've noticed this had been replaced before about a foot down so I will try replacing it again it doesn't look to healthy to be honest.

    I'd replace to whole lot mate. Done mine when I put 90A alternator on but left the standard cable in too. Better than chopping and replacing bits and bats, cable is cheap enough to do it all anyway.
13. coleman258 Established Member Joined: Nov 2008 Eastbourne Posts: 2474 Astra van daily Black Saxo VTR 16v'd kent PT51

    #13 30th September 2011, 13:58

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Saxotim I'd replace to whole lot mate. Done mine when I put 90A alternator on but left the standard cable in too. Better than chopping and replacing bits and bats, cable is cheap enough to do it all anyway.

    How far back does the cable run and is it hard to get to?
14. dankzy Established Member Joined: May 2009 Middlesbrough Posts: 1143 citroen saxo 1.1 forte orange mango :)

    #14 30th September 2011, 14:14

    put multimeter on battery with engine on, should be getting about 14v, that will prove if your alternator is ok or the conections to it, also check earths in engine bay, one may have worked its way loose, thats were i would start