Charger & sediment lights on then gradually lose electrics

[Scigsy]

I'm scared to ask the question as it might be expensive ...

Whilst driving home in my not-often used Bongo (half hour drive), the sediment light and charger light came on together. I thought about stopping but as it was Christmas Eve, decided to continue for the remaining 15 minutes of the journey just to get home safely.

En route, the electrics gradually shut down one after the other - first the radio, then more dashboard lights came on, then the speedo/rev counter went, then the temp gauge, then the indicators and windows (although the windows may have gone before - it was only when I tried to indicate by sticking my arm out the window I realised they weren't working either!)

We sometimes have over-heat problems with her - and have had the system pressure tested and pipes replaced, but occasionally the temp goes over the 12 o'clock on the temp gauge. It had that morning and I'd stopped straight away, let her cool down and topped up the water levels, so it is possible I'd over-filled the water. But I don't understand the charging problem or even if it is related.

Just jump started her on the drive and started with minimal fuss, but gradually all the electrics started to go as described above.

Any pointers I can give my mechanic would be appreciated. And please don't make it expensive

Jane

[Bob]

Alternator.

Ian does them in the Club Shop.

Also, I would make certain she's bled properly. The overheating won't go away on its own and that will be expesive.

[francophile1947]

I'm fairly sure that the symptoms you describe, except the overheating, are caused by a failed alternator.

[Scigsy]

Thanks both - just found a topic on it and answered my own question. Looks like its the alternator then.

Cheers

[Scigsy]

May be a stupid question, but if we can get her started, is it safe to drive to the mechanic?

Thanks

[g8dhe]

Give the battery a charge from a mains charger for as long as possible, and as quickly as possible, and then yes its not a problem to drive especially during the day.

[Simon Jones]

...and then sort out the overheating issue before you destroy the engine.

[Scigsy]

What's your advice on overheating? Had it pressure tested, bled and had all pipes replaced. We check the water levels regularly. Mechanics can't find a leak anywhere, but we think it's losing water somewhere, somehow, very slowly ...

[Bob]

They can sometimes leak from the water pump which is very difficult to see.

Try a search on here, but someone with more expertise will be along.

[winchman]

My own mystery leak was about 100ml every few weeks, found one how weeping slightly so fitted a new hose clip and its fine.
Try looking for a leak when its cold, then drive fro 10 mins and look again etc you will find it just takes a bit of detictive work.
When you park up park over a sheet of cardboard and see if you can see any drips in the morning

[wonkanoby]

you can buy uv dye in a kit with a uv torch can help in tracing on ebay

[teenmal]

It does sound like an alternator (charging)fault.

I would also check the alternator/water pump drive belts as they can also cause the same fault, particularly if the vehicle tends to overheat.


Good Luck.