Alternator or battery?

Saldawop · 03-11-2009, 8:27 AM

I have a 2001 Nissan Primera. Over the last few weeks the battery light on the dash has been coming on intermittently. I took it to a garage yesterday and asked them to check it.I was told it was OK when nothing else was turned on, but when I turned the lights and heater on it wasnt charging.
I asked if it was the battery or the alternator.Was told it was probalby the alternator but it could be the battery?

Alternator AND battery were replaced 2 1/2 years ago.Must admit, battery was the cheapest one the shop had.Surely there must be a way of working out which component is at fault without replacing each one first?

Ayub · 03-11-2009, 9:03 AM

There are 3 reasons why you have having that problem.

1: battery not charging ( battery faulty)
2: Alternator overcharging or not charging
3: Alternator belt loose ( when its cold do you hear a strange noise and when the car warms up does it stop)

un1eash · 03-11-2009, 9:26 AM

Take the car to an alternator/starter motor recon place and they will be able to tell you if the alternator is at fault. Failing that get a drop test done on the battery, halfords can do this for you.

Cheap batterys will only last 2-3 years.

Saldawop · 03-11-2009, 9:47 AM

Thanks , no noises like a loose fan belt. Not being funny but how do I find an alternator replacement centre. Never heard of that. Listed in yellow pages ?

un1eash · 03-11-2009, 10:20 AM

Yeah should be under Car Electrics on yell.com

HOF · 03-11-2009, 10:24 AM

get the rac or aa to come out to you if you have that membership. I had same problem the other week on the Audi and they came and diagnosed what was what for me.

And all for free wahooooooo. I say free it cost me £100 on a new battery

Saldawop · 03-11-2009, 10:40 AM

I'm assuming I can't call the AA as the car starts first time and shows no signs of giving me a problem.

HOF · 03-11-2009, 10:42 AM

not sure as my wifes car had an engine warning light come on and they cam out to that even though it still drove fine etc

Bilbob · 03-11-2009, 4:26 PM

And if you ring the AA or RAC the chances are that they will simply tell you it's the battery and try and sell you one anyway...

flat spot · 03-11-2009, 5:42 PM

With the car running put a multimeter over the battery terminals. You should get around 14v if the alternator is charging to the correct voltage. As said before check the belt isn't loose and slipping occasionally.

Ayub · 03-11-2009, 5:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flat spot

With the car running put a multimeter over the battery terminals. You should get around 14v if the alternator is charging to the correct voltage. As said before check the belt isn't loose and slipping occasionally.

Normally 13.8v while engine is running.

Saldawop · 03-11-2009, 8:54 PM

Had exhaust replaced on Saturday. While there they did a test (I assume using the mulitmeter). They said it should have been 14, but it was 12.19

Aerojon · 04-11-2009, 12:17 AM

charge voltage should be between 14.1-14.4 no load just engine running..

Saldawop · 04-11-2009, 11:33 PM

Well, the car wouldnt start tonight. Had to call the AA out . He diagnosed it as a faulty connector on the alternator. Unfortunately it looks like the problem is on the alternator side rather than the lead itself. He suggested taking it to an Auto Electrician and have them strip it down and repair (alternator is 2.5 years old).

Is this likely to be significantly cheaper than just getting another alternator??

Ayub · 05-11-2009, 7:36 AM

scarp yards are around £40 for an alternator ( unless you drive a vw merc audi )
Recons are around £70 they would simply do what your about to do.

I would go to a spares shop buy a recon give them your and get it over and done with.