Dead

[bigboz]

Just about to remove roof and go for a spin (its sunny in Leeds) and no power at all. No ignition lights, no nothing when turning the key or pressing alarm remote. Last used Thursday and was fine. The accumate which has been connected since then only has the 12 volt power light on, nothing else. THe book says the battery must be totally gone. Is this right and if so which battery would you purchase?

Many thanks.

[Big Al.]

Have you checked the 100amp fuse? is resides in a plastic box, mid way long side the oil sump on the drivers side.

[bigboz]

Had the AA out. They could get it going but they think the alternator is kaput. It was only replaced this year also. There was a smell coming from it and the temperature of the housing itself was 135 degrees c which is hot. Will have to sort it in the week. Nightmare.

[Big Al.]

Glad your getting it sorted.

[hut49]

Mmm. Something doesn't sound quite right here.

Before you jump in for a new alternator on AA's say-so, I would get some further checks done - do you have a local motor sparks that could do this? As your Accumate indicates, the battery's probably u/s (how old is it? - a Chimaera's battery has a useful life of generally 4 years - after that you're on borrowed time). I'd start with a new battery and see what happens. Was there any other indication that there was an electrical fault - did the red charging light come on or start to glow? Could the belt be slipping on the alternator and causing a heat build up through friction on the alternator pulley wheel???

Edited by hut49 on Saturday 30th September 17:40

[bigboz]

Thanks for that. Am going to get it looked at before I stick a new alternator on it. There was a nasty smell coming from it though.

[smb]

just a few weeks ago someone had the same issue, was the 50p 100A fuse,

[Cider Andy]

I'd agree with the AA. If the battery was okay on Thursday but cannot now raise the ignition and oil lights, it is in a sorry state. And a casing temperature of 135°C at the alternator sounds like the rectifier pack has gone.

The battery may recharge and recover - the alternator, if faulty, could drag it down beyond the capabilities of the battery conditioner. Fix the alternator problem and run the car to see if the battery recharges. If, after an hour or so of driving it does, try it again the following morning. If it works: fine; if it doesn't: new battery time.

[bigboz]

Will try that. If it is the alternator will be a bit miffed as wouldn't expect it to go having only been replaced earlier this year! We will see.

[alanw]

Adam

Please call me on mobile

Thanks