I seem to have a problem

[David Edwards]

Went out this evening for a meal, bongo ran perfect as usual, just left the restaurant, jumped in the car and started up no probs,but.. noticed wipers very slow, rev counter not working, speedo working then dying off, and abs light staying on and headlights crap (50% brighter fitted), just put her on the drive and turned off engine. Tried to start her up, DEAD, absolutely and completely dead, why? could it be all the rain we have had today or does it seem more like the battery is kaput, I hope its not the alternator even h it has not shown any signs of dying. I am open to any suggestions or possible reasons peeps.

[coco bongo]

I had these symptoms with a fiesta, and turned out it was a dodgy alternator. Although dont take it as thats the problem from me, see what the others say.

If it was the alt, you could have it reconditioned im sure.

[daveblueozzie]

probably not whats wrong ,but check the battery treminals just to make sure they have not come loose.

[francophile1947]

Sounds like alternator to me . If it was working, I would have thought the lights would have been bright when the engine was running, maybe dimming when on tick-over.

[coco bongo]

When i had this fault, i could jumpstart it to get it going, but as soon as i switched off and tryed to start it again it was dead.

This happened one night after work, recovery vehicle was sent to try and sort it out, bloke was totally useless!. He told me to drive on, and i lived 14 miles away, dark country lanes, no phone, and lights were dying out then brightening intermittantly.

Rev counter was also erratic, If it had stalled there would have been no way to have got her going again!.

[missfixit70]

Alternator I reckon Not that big a job, should be able to get a recon one for under £150, 20 minutes to change it out.

[mikeonb4c]

Try charging the battery up and see if normal service is resumed. If it is, it suggests that battery charging (i.e. alternator) is indeed the fault. If it isn't, I'll fetch me thinking cap out of the laundry basket.

Good luck

PS - or could it be 4 years of veg oil usage coming home to roost. Nyah hah hah - only kidding

[David Edwards]

Just got the battery off and it is taking 3 amps, funny thing is there was no dipping power on the lights, just seemed dim, but boot light and interior lights were normal as I was removing battery, I have just had the cruise control fitted and stuck in Haydns mk 3 coolant alarm, does anyone know if it stays "live" with ignition off, could it have drained the battery slowly as I have only made short journeys since. Am going to Newport passport office tomoz so if charged up tonite will see how it does on the run there and back, will take my booster pak in case, thanks for the super quick replies, guys. Of course the one obvious thing I have not looked at is..has the belt slipped off or broken or summat, I take it the alternator is under the drivers seat hatch ( never thought before to look).

[owelly]

Under the passenger seat.

[David Edwards]

See just shows you how much my bongo thrives on neglect by me, couldn't even remember where the blooming thing was, too dark now but will check it in the morning, is there a compatable alternator, nothing showing in the section worse luck, a couple on ebay but again aint got a clue whether it is 3 pin or what, hope the light of day will shed some light (pun) on it, lol.

[dandywarhol]

If the alternator isn't charging the red warning light usually shows on the dash - OR - some systems rely on the red warning light to be part of the circuit to charge the battery. If the bulb has blown then no charge takes place BUT there's no warning light to tell it isn't charging!

Hope that makes sense.

[Veg_Ian]

Yes you should get a few dash lights on if not charging. Put a voltmeter across the battery terminals. If you've just charged it then you should get a reading of about 13v. Then run the engine and it should be about 14.5v. No increase then it's the alternator but odd you don't have any warning lights. If all ok then it'll be the battery. I had a similar prob just before xmas. Charge it up, short journeys and it lasted about a week before suddenly giving out on me.

[daveblueozzie]

a lot of garages do a free battery check, take it to a couple of different ones to make sure (or one you trust), then you will not be pressured into buying one from them.

[Magwa]

Battery/ alternator or both have died?
Have the battery charged and have it tested ( using a 'drop' meter across the terminals to see if any of the cells have died)
Alternator tested as stated above.
If in doubt breath in and spend the monies
I Hope its the battery as they are far cheaper to replace

your van shows the 'classic' battery/ alternator fault

Good luck

[David Edwards]

Thanks guys, brill response as usual, will stick battery back on soon and see what it does, will have it checked this morning, funny how things happen just when you wanna go somewhere eh.