Not Again ! (common saxo problem)

[TypeRhys]

At the beginning of this year the VTS suffered an alternator failure, this had been predicted for some time due to the battery light flickering on and off when under motion. From my knowledge of the chicken paxo i knew this would happen sooner or later, it being a common fault.

Fine, i thought, problem solved.

Then past few weeks the light has started to flicker every now and again.
Yesterday, i had the timing belts and water pump replaced. At the same time the mechanic replaced the alternator belt saying it had started to degrade, nice that might cure the problem.

But alas no :n:

Still flickering, what next ?

Is the alternator going to fail again ?

[Scattle]

Starter Motor, mine flicks very rarely sometimes.

[TypeRhys]

would the starter motor effect the car under motion though ?

[Scattle]

Not sure on that one matey.

[Toad]

No...

This is a common problem, shame you replaced so many parts thus far. The most likely cause of the battery light flickering, is not the alternator giving up the ghost, but actually the cable that comes from the alternator that controls the illumination of the battery light on your dash. If you open the bonnet, you can see this cable fairly easily, as it plugs in to the top of the alternator. Give it a good squeeze and pull it, it should come free. Now look at the inside of the plug, and you'll notice that it has a female connection, whereas the alternator has the male connection. What you need to do is tease the female connections closer together. I use a pair of nail scissors, as that makes it quite easy.

So the reason the light on the dash is flickering, is because the isn't a good connection between that cable and the alternator.

[Scattle]

Never knew that, possibly why mine is doing it as well.

[VTSLeics84]

ive got a broken plug to the alternator and i dont know where to get one from. scrap yard wont let me take one without the whole unit!

[Toad]

You would probably struggle with a dealership, as they would probably want to sell you the entire loom. But, it's worth a go... You can just chop the plug off, and splice it in.

Otherwise, go to a breakers, and just nick one, lol.

[doely_gti]

you'll notice that it has a female connection, whereas the alternator has the male connection. What you need to do is tease the female connections closer together. I use a pair of nail scissors, as that makes it quite easy.

will this work on my mrs? im aroused

[TypeRhys]

cheers toad, ill give that idea a go later on.

thanks.

[Toad]

No worries.