Im sad to say...
Discussion
that my girlfriend probably knows more about cars than I do 
She recons the battory warning light (which is on when the engine/ignition of off, and off when the car is running) is coming on because the maintenance battory needs topping up with distilled water.
Anyone agree that this might be the case? Never bought any before, assume I just ask hellfrauds for some standard distilled water?
How often should a maintenance battery need topping up, what precisely should I do (how much water etc)
Its new(ish) im told, year or two I think (not sure) - probably a silly question but why would manufacturers build a maintenance battory when a non maintenance batt could have been made?
She recons the battory warning light (which is on when the engine/ignition of off, and off when the car is running) is coming on because the maintenance battory needs topping up with distilled water.
Anyone agree that this might be the case? Never bought any before, assume I just ask hellfrauds for some standard distilled water?
How often should a maintenance battery need topping up, what precisely should I do (how much water etc)
Its new(ish) im told, year or two I think (not sure) - probably a silly question but why would manufacturers build a maintenance battory when a non maintenance batt could have been made?
ukbob said:
...the battory warning light ... is on when the engine/ignition of off, and off when the car is running...
Em... I don't think that's anything to do with water... The ignition light should be off when the key is out of the ignition, it should come on when you turn the ignition on, then go off when the engine is running.
If the light is on when the ignition is off, like you say, then the alternator diode pack is knacked and your battery is discharging through the ignition lamp. This is a bad thing.
If you want to check the battery water levels, take the caps off and look down into each cell. The electrolyte (which looks like water but is actually sulphuric acid) should just cover (and only just) the plates inside each cell - you'll see that they look like layers of metal and chocolate! They should *just* be covered.
ukbob said:
How often should a maintenance battery need topping up, what precisely should I do (how much water etc)
Every couple of decades or so, if it is being charged properly.
ukbob said:
why would manufacturers build a maintenance battory when a non maintenance batt could have been made?
As far as I know the only significant difference is that with a sealed-for-life battery you don't have the option of topping up or replacing the electrolyte. No big loss since you shouldn't normally need to anyway.
v8smith said:
Bob,
When mine did this it was a faulty alternator, they are getting to 10 years old which is the expected lifetime of the alternator anyway, I would suspect its this. They are around 50 pounds with a trade in for the old one.
Regards
Mike
Cheers Mike. I wondered when GF said the water needed topping up
but she sounded convinced 
I really need to find someone good down in Eastbourne/East Sussex to sort these kinds of niggles from. Is an Alternator something someone with no experience can easily replace themselves? Im not even sure where it is (without checking the bible) and I dont suppose there is any way of knowing with certainty that it is the alternator causing the battory light to remain on when the engine and ignition are off?
tvrgit said:
Bob
It's almost certainly the alternator.
An autoelectrician or good motor factor should be able to test it, if you're not sure.
Cheers mate. Will get it sorted asap.
I trust the alternator is still working then, otherwise the car woldnt start? Meaning, if I dont get it sorted soon, could it die completely, leaving me stranded somewhere?
Bob
It definately sounds like the alternator. It can be repaired with a new diode pack, however if your GF is too busy to do this for you then go and get a part ex alternator. I would suggest that any auto electrician could test this for you first.
>> Edited by oldred on Saturday 25th September 14:10
It definately sounds like the alternator. It can be repaired with a new diode pack, however if your GF is too busy to do this for you
then go and get a part ex alternator. I would suggest that any auto electrician could test this for you first. >> Edited by oldred on Saturday 25th September 14:10
Apologies if I didnt immediately agree and thank you for diagnosing the faulty diode pack, I would have felt traitorous telling the GF the battory didnt need topping up
Dropped the S off at some formerly unbeknownst to me repair centre we found, and was quoted £100 minimum, possibly a lot more "Sky is the limit mate" for a new alternator
Can anyone give me the contact details of a trade supplier I can pass on to the repair centre, with the hopes that I'll get a better price.
Ive had the car 10 weeks, and this is the 5th time its either died, or had to go in to a shop/garage for fairly serious repairs/fixes Possibly something to do with the fact that the previous owner only did 1500 miles in 2 years?
Looks like Im going to have to downgrade the gerbils feed to ESK desert mix, and squeeze a little more cardboard into my own diet to save a few more pennies
On the upside [drivel update of lifes affairs] we spotted a stunning yellow cerb yesterday, and after afixing my bib, drove/drooled past it several dozen times [/drivel]
That left me feeling better about things 
Dropped the S off at some formerly unbeknownst to me repair centre we found, and was quoted £100 minimum, possibly a lot more "Sky is the limit mate" for a new alternator
Can anyone give me the contact details of a trade supplier I can pass on to the repair centre, with the hopes that I'll get a better price.
Ive had the car 10 weeks, and this is the 5th time its either died, or had to go in to a shop/garage for fairly serious repairs/fixes
Possibly something to do with the fact that the previous owner only did 1500 miles in 2 years? Looks like Im going to have to downgrade the gerbils feed to ESK desert mix, and squeeze a little more cardboard into my own diet to save a few more pennies
On the upside [drivel update of lifes affairs] we spotted a stunning yellow cerb yesterday, and after afixing my bib, drove/drooled past it several dozen times [/drivel]
That left me feeling better about things 
ukbob said:
Before I had a chance to call the garage up, the call came in saying a new alternator would be fitted, no diode parts available, £125 inc labour and vat.
I guess I cant complain, I should be able to pick the S up this afternoon.
Very good Rob considering a Lucas LRB209 alternator costs £129 + VAT (supply only)!
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