can i seek the advise of your collective intellects?

we went to madeira for two weeks recently (and very good it was) and left the car in manchester airport. upon picking up the car there was a whine on ignition and battery/alternator light came on. thought this is not good, but attempted to make it home. found ourselves on the side of m56 waiting for green flag to take us home :( later bought a second hand alternator off fleabay and jump started the car. all went fine, but red battery light still coming on. thought maybe battery problem, so bought new varta silver calcium battery. battery light still comes on. the car runs fine except when i add extra electrical loads such as lights. then the engine seems to stutter and lights flicker. never nothing too bad, but still a worry. i have put a meter across the battery. with engine off reading is 12.27 but when ignition on it reads 16.50 (this is with lights etc on also. seems a bit high to me. i have heard that the smart charging can be a problem on these cars, but i know nothing about it or any remedial techniques. anyone had any similar problems and possible fixes? would be very thankful.

thanks

terry

Check the smart charge unit on the alternator for a broken wire, it does happen and can cause power stability and charging issues.

thanks for that stoney871.

i was trying to work out how to do a continuity test on the smart charge wires but having some problem trying to find the other end of it.

thanks

terry

an update on my problem. after new alternator, new battery and new multi-meter. the problem turned out to be a broken red wire in the smart charging system loom leading from the alternator. a bit of solder and shrink and now all sorted. i guess the lesson being ''dont jump to the replacement parts '' idea too soon. solder is certainly cheaper the alternators. oh well a happy bunny here :)

you were right on the money stoney87 much kudos to you

thanks

terry

Glad to help :)

Where was this broken wire? JohnH had the same issue, but the wire broke in the wheel arch

hi jeebowhite.

the wire was broken about a 6 inches away from the alternator.

ah ok so not too far then, nice and easy fix then!