Urgent, any city centre (near Heuston) mechanic that could check an alternator

Newcarneeded · 22-12-2008 04:11PM #1

I'm due to drive to Kerry for Christmas tomorrow night and need a mechanic or auto electrician to check if my alternator is working.

I've been having trouble with the battery, it's a 02 Focus, and want to find out if the alternator is charging or draining the battery before i set out on such a long drive.

Can anyone recommend anyone, preferably city centre based, that could inspect the car?

Failing that, to troubleshoot the problem, if the alternator was gone I'd expect the battery to discharge reasonably quickly. If i started the car and left it idling on the driveway for a period of time could i work out if the alternator is gone?

Presumably if it is, it won't take long to discharge the battery? Have you any idea how long I'd need to leave the car idling for to work this out?

Darragh29 · 22-12-2008 04:13PM

Newcarneeded wrote: »

I'm due to drive to Kerry for Christmas tomorrow night and need a mechanic or auto electrician to check if my alternator is working.

I've been having trouble with the battery, it's a 02 Focus, and want to find out if the alternator is charging or draining the battery before i set out on such a long drive.

Can anyone recommend anyone, preferably city centre based, that could inspect the car?

Failing that, to troubleshoot the problem, if the alternator was gone I'd expect the battery to discharge reasonably quickly. If i started the car and left it idling on the driveway for a period of time could i work out if the alternator is gone?

Presumably if it is, it won't take long to discharge the battery? Have you any idea how long I'd need to leave the car idling for to work this out?

What exactly is the problem that makes you think the alternator is gone?

Esel · 23-12-2008 12:19AM

Myles Balfe, Phibsborough Rd D7 specialise in this. Not too far from Heuston Station. They are between McGowan's pub and the Fire Station.

Matt Simis · 23-12-2008 01:13AM

esel wrote: »

Myles Balfe, Phibsborough Rd D7 specialise in this. Not too far from Heuston Station. They are between McGowan's pub and the Fire Station.

Yes, I second them. I got an Alternator from them (good price) and they tested the original to confirm it was faulty then and there.

The time to determine if its faulty while driving depends on your Battery condition. If its already low and abused from poor charging, it would probably run down in about 15min of driving. Hard to say when sitting on the driveway, but just look at the battery level on the dash. Should be nearly 14v with the engine on and just over 12v with the engine off but ACC on.

eringobragh · 23-12-2008 01:18AM

Matt Simis wrote: »

just look at the battery level on the dash. Should be nearly 14v with the engine on and just over 12v with the engine off but ACC on.

Not every car has a voltmeter.

OP get your self a cheap multimeter in maplins or woodies there about 8 euro

Turn the selector to DC 20 (Symbol: