Flickering battery warning light

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 2:53 pm

My battery light on the stack has started to flicker a little, just occasionally. Nothing appears to be wrong and the battery is fine (few weeks old) and starts the car no probs.

Just noticed it earlier today.

I'm about to check everything is tight etc, is there anything else I should check? Erath strap?

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 3:11 pm

Check all the alternator cables are ok as well as all the earth leads. Could also be a symptom of a dying alternator. Check the fan belt is tight.

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:46 pm

Update:

All connections appear secure, well the ones I can get easy access too.
Alternator belt is okay.

Battery has, since last post, died.

well it's not charging.
Putting a meter across the terminals I'm getting 12volts with engine off, no draw on battery. With engine running (jump started) the voltage slowly drops, last reading when I checked was 9.6volts and dropping. Stack then went wonky all lights flashing up, needles droppped to zero and engine started revving itself

Also when the engine was running I was able to see the alternator, and it is turning, but I was hearing a different sound that I'd never noticed before, sounded as if the alternator had worn/tight bearings, could be wrong, just never been aware of that particular noise before.

So, new alternator required?

How much, where from? any recommendations, just a Rover 'dealer'? Or Partco etc?

How easy is it to change just lying in the road useing a jack to get under the car

mac · Post by **mac** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:50 pm

John,

They aren't fun to change - got a horrible wee 8mm tension bolt that's a total pig to undo.

They aren't cheap either - try and find someone who can recondition it for you - there's a place called Euro Alternators in Cambuslang that work on an exchange basis (I was still £115 18 months)

The reason the engine started to rev is the ECU doing it's thing - notices that the battery is low and tries to up the revs spinning the alternator more in a hope to get more charge in the battery.

Stu might be able to help with a replacement - but remember the s2 is a stronger unit than the s1.

Mac

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:52 pm

Stu"Alternator problems"160 Pollock is your man!

I was told they are pretty cheap but to go for reputable recon over cheap and nasty! Any old rover one will do though I imagine

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:55 pm

Wow, quick replies

Is it not sunny in Preston, or are you working Rich?

Mac, that sig

Will try and get in touch with Stu next week then, unless he sees this first.

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:59 pm

Just finished actually. Got to do the washing up as the g/f is away in the Outer Hebrides for 3 weeks and I have run out of bowls and forks. Also I can't see out of the kitchen window due to the teetering piles of crockery....

Got to get up early too off to a NorLog meet at the Turnpike inn at oh-my-god-its-sunday-morning-a-clock....

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Fri May 04, 2007 4:04 pm

Managed to get my alternator out and a new one fitted earlier this week.

Got one from A1 Autostores in Bathgate for £149 inc vat, exchange. That was the best price I could find shopping around. MMC wanted £298.17

Yes it was a bit awkward to remove/refit, but managed to do it all from above with wheel on and arch liner in place. And only one 'bad' cut