Battery light keeps flashing at me

[Zebede29]

Drove my S2 111S (K-series) in to work this morning in the sunshine, was really enjoying it when I noticed my battery light coming on when on a trailing throttle or idling in traffic.

Oddly, when under throttle of any decent degree it goes off again.

Car is stored outside but has an Optimate battery optimiser attached permanently - could this be causing a problem do you think? Or is my alternator on it's way out?

Anyone able to shed any light on this for me?

[Gooby]

If there is no belt squeal, I would start a the alternator. Take it to your local garage and they will have a test which will tell you quickly and cheaply.

[Zebede29]

No no belt squeel at all, thats why I wondered about the alternator.

Will it still be ok to run it until I can find time to book it in to my local Lotus specialist?

[Mr_B]

The alternator is probably on its way out. Checking the wiring to it to make sure there's no broken /loose wires first. Have a search on Seloc.org - there's quite a bit on there about this.

[Zebede29]

Fortunately i've still got a main-dealer warranty until August 2008 so i'll get it looked at ASAP and shall expect it to result in a claim being submitted for a new alternator - or something similar to that!

[S Works]

If it is the alternator, and that needs replacement, IIRC you may as well get the belts changed too if you've not had them done. Will save you a few quid come the next C service.

[Zebede29]

Yep, its the alternator! Kelvedon Lotus are sorting it for me under my Lotus Used Car warranty (as supplied by Christopher Neils on purchase last Aug) and all is going to be fine......but the bill is for almost £500! Thank GOD for the warranty.

Couldn't believe the cost of this job but apparently its mostly down to the labour cost in accessing and removing the alternator, guess it must be hard to get to or something along those lines.

Can't wait to get the car back!