Electrics -- Urgent

[acemastr]

As i got into my car the other day after work and turned it on, to find the battery light flickering. now idle it didn't, but as soon as the revs went up even a tiny bit it started.

Drove it home fairly ok but it was flickering like mad. Went to start it later that day and it started fine, drove it around for 10mins then the dials all froze, and the power steering went completely, got it home luckily and it started 5 or 6 times no problem.

Went out there tonight, tried to start and i get a clacking sound from the starter motor and no turn over just clack clack clack quickly. i immediately thought it was the alternator, but now i'm not so sure. The fan belts fairly solid, i can turn the lights on and they are ok, if a bit dim.

I urgently need help with this, i'm supposed to be moving out very soon and my car is my life... no garages are open though!

All help appreciated and repped.

If you solve it i'll kiss you!

*edit a jump start did nothing, still same noise and no turn over.

[Toad]

Most likely the alternator, which is not charging the battery, causing your issues mentioned. Check that the connections are well seated for starters... That CLACK noise is a result of the battery not having enough juice for the starter motor to function properly. Without the right tools, there's not a lot you can do to measure the functionality of the alternator. Any garage will be able to check this for you though.

Finally, just give the alternator a quick inspection also. Make sure the belt is still fixed properly, and tensioned correctly. If it's too loose, it could be slipping, which would stop the battery from charging also.

[pepper953]

conections on startermotor is another favorite if as you say jumping your car made no difference(slacken then retighten)

[acemastr]

replaced battery, still same prob but starts. any ideas?

[Toad]

Have you read the comments above???

[JohnPartridge]

Also, Check all your main connections, and Earthing points are intact. To make sure that the movement from actually driving the car isn't causing a point to become dislodged from the earth or connection point.

[devilsadvocate]

As above, def sounds like a knackered alternator. Check all connections to the alternator and make sure belt is on properly.

Start the car, turn the lights on and rev it. If the lights brighten as you rev, then its prob gonna be your alternator.

Could pick one up second hand for a little as £25 and fit it yourself if you feel confident (easy tbh).

[acemastr]

turned lights on, revved hard and no change, they stay constant. the battery light doesn't stay on, it flickers with revs, on idle it's completely off. Also the power steering is making a constant whir, and moreso when turning. Also everytime the light flicks on there's an audible click from under the passenger side dash. Any ideas?

[devilsadvocate]

So now you got a new battery, is it staying charged fully or does it die?

Unsure what the click could be tbh. Sounds like you might need to go to a garage which specialises in electrics.

[acemastr]

it's started twice fine, took it for a run, it all feels a bit... different. power steering, response, everything really. I can't tell if it's being charged, going to a citroen dealer on wed see if they can help, will ring around and hope for the best. this is really getting me down though.

[JohnPartridge]

The Click will be one of your Relays under the dash. But I agree to above post, Think you need to get yourself to a local garage and have it checked out properly. Could be something simple that they will pick up on when they look in the right places.