Battery warning light stays on on 2009 Ford Kuga!

[scrubbie]

Wondered if someone could help/offer advice please?

I purchased the Kuga 3 months ago. It is a January 2009 Ford Kuga Zetec 2.0 TDI.

Driving along on Wednesday and suddenly the battery warning light on the dash comes on and stays on. I assume it's an alternator problem (covered under the warranty) and yesterday took it back to the garage I bought it from for them to have a look. The garage I bought the car from is not a Ford main dealership. They said the alternator was charging okay so thought the battery was on its way out.

As it was almost time for the garage to close I drove the car home last night. The battery is not covered by the warranty I got when I bought the Kuga so had a brand new battery fitted today at Halfords at my own expense and the battery warning light is still on!!!!

Would anyone have an idea of what the problem is? Could it still be the alternator?

I'm thinking I might need to take the vehicle to a Ford main dealership to be checked. Do Ford main dealerships make a charge for plugging the car in to their diagnostic machines to determine the fault? If so, how much are they likely to charge?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[chibbard]

I think you will find its the alternator. Ours went last year after 37000 miles. Common problem apparently.

[Podie]

Based on other Fords I've owned, it does sound like the alternator is on its way out.

[scrubbie]

Thanks for taking the time to post your ideas.

Ford main dealer has confirmed your advice and diagnosed the alternator is faulty.

The place the vehicle was originally purchased from is useless - very poor after sales support.

Due to naming and shaming policies I will not name but wish I could.

Cheers and thanks again.