Important! : Need help quickly! Electric issue!

1. Chappers200 Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Leicester Posts: 194 Punto 55s (Deceased) Citroen Saxo 1.1i expose

   #1 11th October 2011, 17:46

   Right I've made this thread before but didn't get any real help. So here goes again.
   
   On a chilly Friday morn it was just a normal day driving my car to work. But suddenly my car started smoking from the engine bay, so I turned off a few electricals and it eventually went away.
   
   Anyway since that fateful Friday morning my car hasn't been the same. Firstly it would start and lose all electrical power like lights,radio,speedometers and even power steering. But now its gotten even worse and the car wont start without a jump and eventually stalls.
   
   Any thoughts on what it could be. I thought it was the alternator instantly because of the smoking but according to a know it all friend of mine if the power steering is also going then it must be the although belt.
2. Chappers200 Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Leicester Posts: 194 Punto 55s (Deceased) Citroen Saxo 1.1i expose

   #2 11th October 2011, 17:47

   Alternator belt not although belt lmao
3. f13sta Established Member Joined: Sep 2010 loughborough Posts: 2229 1988 ford fiesta mk2 1.4- 2001 black saxo furio (d

   #3 11th October 2011, 17:47

   does sound like the alt is on it way can you get it running long enough to feel for heat in the wires leading to the alt?
4. Chappers200 Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Leicester Posts: 194 Punto 55s (Deceased) Citroen Saxo 1.1i expose

   #4 11th October 2011, 18:05

   not any more as the battery has literally no charge in it ... even after jumping it, it will still die after a few minutes, if i use a battery charger i can get a bit longer but thats broke as well lmao
5. Gareth_R Established Member Joined: Mar 2010 Basildon, Essex Posts: 1042 Citroen AX VTS

   #5 11th October 2011, 19:42

   Sounds like alt
6. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #6 11th October 2011, 22:13

   Sounds like your alternator last xmas I had the same problem had the charging rate checked all was ok.Was advised to put the battery on charge which I did for 17hrs started the car the following morning after about 30mins of driving all the electrics failed speedo fuel gauge bouncing.So replaced the alternator & has been fine ever since & that`s on a nearly 5yr old battery too.
7. Chappers200 Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Leicester Posts: 194 Punto 55s (Deceased) Citroen Saxo 1.1i expose

   #7 12th October 2011, 00:16

   cheers for the help lads, mucho mucho gracias an all that
8. kirk Infrequent Poster Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 183

   #8 12th October 2011, 06:40

   I had the same problem this weekend, got a new alternator and new battery was neither, check the loom, there was a break the the (8mm) main supply cable it runs from alternator to starter motor to battery, if there is a break in this then the circuit will not complete and charge the battery, also saves you the cost of a new alternator if it is, my break was right under the inlet just next to the starter.
9. Chappers200 Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Leicester Posts: 194 Punto 55s (Deceased) Citroen Saxo 1.1i expose

   #9 12th October 2011, 22:18

   yeh but i had the problem with my car smoking and smelling like burn.. an unfinished circuit wouldnt cause this.. somet has gotta have worn out
10. kirk Infrequent Poster Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 183

    #10 12th October 2011, 23:37

    Only trying to help dude, get a multi meter (there cheap from maplin If you don't have one) check your alternator is producing 14+ volts if it is then you can eliminate that