Alternator Problem

[keeyth]

Hi everyone,

 

I have just changed the alternator on a friends 02 plate 1.9tdi (the battery warning light was on and not charging the battery) , I fitted a replacement reconditioned unit and all was well (battery light went out and was charging 14v at idle), The car was taken out later at night and was sitting at idle in traffic when the lights went dim and the battery waring light came on again, Could i have just been unlucky fitting a faulty alternator or could there be something killing it ? , would it be worth changing the battery even though it seems fine, I don't think i will have to much trouble getting the new (now faulty) alternator replaced but i'm worried it may happen again

[RADIOTWO]

Hi Keeyth

 

Have you checked the belt ? is it tight enough or snapped??

 

if not, take it back for a replacement, the battery won't cause a problem to the alternator

 

Radiotwo

[chrispb123456]

Hi everyone,

 

I have just changed the alternator on a friends 02 plate 1.9tdi (the battery warning light was on and not charging the battery) , I fitted a replacement reconditioned unit and all was well (battery light went out and was charging 14v at idle), The car was taken out later at night and was sitting at idle in traffic when the lights went dim and the battery waring light came on again, Could i have just been unlucky fitting a faulty alternator or could there be something killing it ? , would it be worth changing the battery even though it seems fine, I don't think i will have to much trouble getting the new (now faulty) alternator replaced but i'm worried it may happen again

 

Hi there Keeyth and welcome to the site.

 

You need to check the condition of the wiring and connections from the Alternator to the battery via the auxiliary fuse box (in front of battery) the terminals on the alternator cables can suffer high resistance which results in burning and/or melting of the fuse box, which in turn will give little or no connection between battery and alternator.

Your original alternator could have been damaged through this, as alternators don't like running badly connected, if the wiring/connectors are the problem you may have damaged your new alternator.

[big boy stevie]

i would also check for broken wires aswell make sure battery terminals are tight and see if anything is draining battery like courtesy lights and things like that, it may been you have been sold a duff one not unheard of.

[keeyth]

Thanks For the replies and suggestions guys, I will check the wiring tomorrow and let you know how i get on