Ka - battery light

[tigger1]

Battery light is going on/off (mostly on!) when driving.

Have taken it to local ford stealers (under warranty) who say they will put it on diagnostics machine - but can't guarantee it being done before Tuesday.

So...likely problems with driving it? I'm guessing that starting it will likely become a problem, but will it continue to run once started (until engine is stopped)? Or will it come to a horribly juddery halt?

Advice from ford garage was to drive it as little as possible, but as I'm 40 minutes drive from hone...this may be tricky!

[Trooper2]

Sounds like the alternator is dying. Once the battery is depleted it won't be able to fire the sparkplugs and the car (Ka) will stop.

If you want to try the 40 minute commute I would recommend fully charging the battery with a charger then drive using as few accessories as possible, stereo, heater, window defrosters, etc.

Edited by Trooper2 on Wednesday 2nd January 09:26

[tigger1]

Thanks for that - unfortunately that is what I thought...so I'll not be driving it home.

Does a lit light indicate that the battery is not charging *at all* or that it may be charging only more slowly?

[andy_quantum]

It will cut out on you once drained. I say that from experience, after trying to drive mine back from a mates with a dodgy earth. Half the time, thats what my problems have related to, although with a plastic car thats to be expected. I wouldnt rule out knackered alternator anyway and budget for a replacement

[tigger1]

Sorry - should have updated this. Email already sent to FANTASTIC dealer.

Anyway, faulty loom - diagnosed, tested, smart charge loom put in, car returned to me cleaned / polished / hoovered. Cannot fault TC Harrison of Pride Park, Derby for their assistance today - and all done under warranty. Result.