Ok another thing to do before the expense of an alternator is have a health check on the battery.Also check the terminals are nice and clean as well with no corrosion.
Ok another thing to do before the expense of an alternator is have a health check on the battery.Also check the terminals are nice and clean as well with no corrosion.
The first two need a mutlimeter to be checked, but the grounding. There's a few black cables flaoting about in the 6th gens engine bay. You need to follow all the cables to their earth point on the body somewhere. There should be a ground near either of the headlights, and one near the screenwash filler bottle somewhere.
Also, where does the car idle? Does it sit around the 800rpm mark? Or does it fluctuate. But check the previously mentioned things first dude. Let us know what you find mate.
Without having sat in the car or driven it i have to agree with Cliff and it's kinda up to you that one. It could be a completly failed alternator, but sounds unlikely, so if it is the alternator that;s playing up then it's probably just a failing not failed unit.
My advice would be to get it checked out as soon as possible dude.
If it happened Saturday then it should be alright to take it to a car parts place or a friendly garage to check if it's the alternator, or get it investigated.
I know there are a few places in Norfolk that would take a look at it for you. Try one of the Hi-Q garages. Only to check it though. Personally i'd never let them work on my car. Only check the alternator as i know they'd do it for free.
Personally I wouldnt buy a 2nd hand one I'd buy a reconditioned one from a reputable car parts supplier/motor factors place as they will be cheaper than buying a brand new one (although get a price on both from a car parts/motor factors place).
Right, now we know the problem, lets get it sorted for you.
It's a fairly easy job to change one yourself if you're a little handy with the tools. The hardest part is trying to get the tension in the belt, and getting it all lined up.
David has the answer for you too. As he said your best bet is to buy yourself a re-conditioned one. Preferably from a 'trusted' souce. New are too expensive, and second hand (from breakers), would probably be too risky.
Forgot to add, if you can't find one, then i'll be happy to have a looksie about and see if i can find one too.
