Fab Belt Problem?

WesternZulu

Hi,

I was driving home this evening on the motorway and it was extremely wet with a lot of surface water, this was especially the case in one area which I went into it at speed but didn't think anything of it.

Anyway, when I was near my house I noticed the battery light came on and then a few mins later the car cut out, restarted it and it was grand but when I went to turn in my driveway it happened again.
However, this time the steering was very heavy. I restarted it again and it was ok and I parked it up.

Now, recently I have noticed if I am driving in very wet road conditions that the battery light would come on.
I didn't know why but after this evening I think it may because the battery is not charging, because the fan belt is too wet to turn alternator efficiently?

Would I be right in assuming this?
And if so do I need a new fan belt? (I don't want this happening every time I go through a flood/drive on roads with lots of surface water).

Please say it's not a timing belt issue

WesternZulu

Can a mod change the title from 'fab' to 'fan'.
Thanks.

aujopimur

The belt either needs to be tensioned or replaced.

WesternZulu

aujopimur wrote: »

The belt either needs to be tensioned or replaced.

Thanks.
Does it cost much to replace a fan belt?
Is this definitely not a timing belt issue, sorry don't know an awful lot about cars?

bally2009

The belt is slipping on the alternator due to the water. Get it tightened and that should do the trick.

Stheno

What type of car OP?

It's not a particularly expensive job.

WesternZulu

Stheno wrote: »

What type of car OP?

It's not a particularly expensive job.

1.4 Ford Fiesta Zetec.

I presume it's ok and all to drive to a garage?

Nissan doctor

Unless the belt was already in bad shape then water won't cause it to slip continuously.

Its more likely that water has got into the connections on the alternator.