Alternator packing up?

[motorwurzel]

Last two days the alternator warning light has not gone out as normal when leaving work, I've had to stop, check the fan belt hasn't snapped or is not slipping, fiddle about hopefully with the wires, rev it up 3 or 4 times before it kicks in, the light goes out and voltmeter jumps up to normal. Get home and it starts as normal

Can't say it has ever done this before.......

I am off to France on Sunday so a bit concerned.

I am kind of assuming the Alternator is on the way out and wondering how I can get another one pronto, but in addition to this and checking and cleaning the connections on the alternator can anybody think of anything else to check...

[magpies]

just Gooooogled Crawley and Alternator repairs - came up with Crawley alternator and starter Centre

so I'd take the car and show them the problem, may be able to do a same day fix?

[motorwurzel]

Great, thank-you, That could be a very good suggestion, didn't know they were round the corner...

I will pop by in the morning and see what they say

[pequod]

What is 'normal' when you start the car? Does the ignition warning light go out immediately the engine fires up or do you normally have to rev the engine to about 2500 rpm? If the former, I suspect a previous owner has fitted an extra bulb or some form of additional resistance to get around the 'normal' S alternator needing the engine to be revved to said 2500rpm in order to trigger the charging circuit! Hope that makes sense?

Could be just a matter of finding the modification (ie a second bulb) and see if that has blown.

[phillpot]

With that time scale I'd say a visit to "Crawley alternator and starter Centre" is a no brainer wink


Enjoy your trip!

[pequod]

Any update?