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Alternator or Battery problem - how to tell the difference?

  • 26-10-2014 5:57pm
    #1
    Wanderer2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,743 ✭✭✭


    My alternator gave up the ghost about 9 months ago after only a day of getting the battery symbol on the dashboard - the lights starting fading, the indicators stopped working and the car just eventually crawled to a dead stop. A new alternator was fitted and happy days for 9 months. This morning I was doing a long enough journey from Meath to Clonmel and the same thing happens- radio starts fading, lights and indicators go and then the car just stops!

    I got it going again after the battery was charged for 2 hours but when the journey ended and I tried to start the car again an hour later, same problem, engine just keeps on turning over and I cant get it moving. I dont know a lot about cars so my question is: Has the alternator screwed up after just 9 months or could I need a new battery, how can I tell the difference? It has been about 3 years since battery was changed, could that be it? Cheers.


Comments

  • #2
    Avns1s
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,423 ✭✭✭Avns1s


    Looks like the alternator again!

    The battery really shouldn't come into play once the car is running as such in that the alternator should be providing all the power to run all the electrics, and to charge the battery too. If your lights and radio etc faded out, then it looks like the alternator is not doing its job.


  • #3
    visual
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,267 ✭✭✭visual


    I put my money on alternator if electrical system is going dead while driving.


  • #4
    Wanderer2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,743 ✭✭✭Wanderer2010


    Thanks for the replies, any ideas why an alternator would give up after only 9 months? There hasnt been anything wrong with the car between then and now, could there be some deeper electrical issue, Im hoping there may be a chance its the battery as thats a hell of a lot cheaper than an alternator!


  • #5
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Can you check the alternator belt and make sure that it is a) present and b) tight enough so it can drive the alternator without squealing?
    It would be rare enough for a new alternator to fail within 9mths unless it was secondhand or badly reconditioned ie new brushes and old slip ring.


  • #6
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,683 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    If its a secondhand or recon alternator, well there is nothing strange in it failing again. If it was a new alternator, you will have warranty on it surely.


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