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Help! Battery light coming on while driving and all dials spinning.

  • 17-04-2009 6:00pm
    #1
    whatisayis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭


    While I was driving today (01 Mondeo) the battery light kept coming on intermittantly and then the mileage, revs, fuel and engine heat dials starting spinning from min to max and then returning to normal for a while before doing the same thing again. This happened quite a few times and it didn't make any difference if the car was stopped in traffic or moving. Anyone have any idea what could be wrong?


Comments

  • #2
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Most likely the belt to the alternator is broken/about to break or the alternator itself is kaput.

    Either way your battery won't get charged and all electric stuff has to be powered by the battery alone, which means your car will be going dead/not start again pretty soon.

    Get someone to look at it pronto.


  • #3
    El Guapo!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,438 ✭✭✭✭El Guapo!


    This happens to the clocks on a lot of fords. Needs a battery (or charge it if you can) Also after you do this, check that the alternator is charging the battery.


  • #4
    whatisayis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭whatisayis


    Thanks for the responses. Its booked for the NCT on Tuesday! It's a diesel engine with 208000 miles up on it - is it worth replacing the alternator if it turns out that is the problem. Also, is there any point bringing it in for the test before fixing it?


  • #5
    El Guapo!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,438 ✭✭✭✭El Guapo!


    If the alternator is at fault then it'll have to be fixed otherwise th battery will drain fully and your car wont be going anywhere. You might be able to get it re-conditioned rather than paying for a new one


  • #6
    whatisayis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭whatisayis


    Ok will try to get something done on Monday. Thanks for your help, most appreciated.


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  • #7
    Seanieke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 853 ✭✭✭Seanieke


    It could be just as simple as a loose battery connection, tighten up the leads on the altenator & both poles of the battery


  • #8
    Omcd
    Closed Accounts Posts: 294 ✭✭Omcd


    Get it looked asap. A faulty alternator can fry your car. As in fire.


  • #9
    whatisayis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭whatisayis


    Omcd wrote: »
    Get it looked asap. A faulty alternator can fry your car. As in fire.

    I did notice the engine heat indicator was a little higher than normal. Also, when I turned the key (before the engine switches on) I noticed a kind of low fan noise when usually there is no sound so I better get it looked at. Wouldn't do to have it go on fire during the NCT test!


  • #10
    whatisayis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭whatisayis


    Seanieke wrote: »
    It could be just as simple as a loose battery connection, tighten up the leads on the altenator & both poles of the battery

    Spot on! The lead on the alternator was a little loose so tightened it and have driven around for a couple of hours and it seems all is fine. Thanks again.


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