Battery Light

[Lurkio]

Battery light has been coming on every onw and again for about 3 mins when running, it then goes off after a bit. Does anyone know what this is, is the battery on it's way out, undercharged or a loose connection.
What type of battery would you recomend if I need a new one, many thanks, Chris.

[nadirv8]

I don't know 100% but it would suggest the Alternator isnt working well, or giving enough charge so the car flashes the light indicating that its running off the battery.
I recently changed the batt, took the stats off the old one... amps, etc... and got a Halfords 3yr batt. I made sure to get one which was a little more powerful and as a result it starts first time very well.

[nadirv8]

also, if the Halfords one loses charge within like 18months they tend to give you a new replacement anyway.

[dean_ratpac]

check oil as well, i've seen these put int the wrong way round, so batt is in the oil and oil is in batt... it sounds like i'm going nutts!

[keithyboy]

Funny you mention this. When I very first got the car the battery light would flicker for a minute after cold start up and then all would be fine. This cured itself after a week or so. Last week when returning home from the Ace Cafe meet with the battery under full load - all lights, blower, AC and the stereo cranked up too (for a change ) - the battery light flickered very dimly for 10 secs or so then went out. A check with the multimeter the following day revealed all was well with the battery and with charging, although when under full load again it did seem to struggle a bit initially but then was OK. It's been fine since :touchingwood: I'm hoping the alternator's not on its way out?

[olly]

Could also be that the "big fuse" is on it's way out (hence the altenator can't pull full charge). For 60p (or what ever they cost now), it's worth replacing it to be safe anyway.....

[Lurkio]

Olly, where is the big fuse located, I've got a spare one, cheers mate !!

[betty_swallocks]

the big fuse is located at the back of the engine about where the engine meets the gearbox on the top of the gearbox