Car won't start

[onzakieron]

Firstly, i've searched this but nothing helpful came up seeing as I only need 1 quick answer.

I was in the car yesterday, got in, started but sounded asif it struggled to start a little. Power steering wouldn't work so of course I got out and checked tyres were hard which they were. Started it again with no luck but when I revved it, power steering worked, fair enough I though...

Drove about 40 miles to an old MX track for a look. got out etc, got back in, flat battery, just makes a clicking noise when turning the key. Bumped it and drove home, it's been sat on the drive overnight and still won't start. Battery is on charge at the moment but surely it should have charged itself.

Alternator nackered?

Rep awaiting..

[Quick]

Sounds like the battery isn't holding charge!

Get is checked & if nackered new battery time!

[onzakieron]

Thing is the battery has been perfect for 3 months until yesterday, although batterys tend to go like that don't they?

[Predator_R32]

halfords do a free battery and alternator test ;)

either them or the wire connections arent tight, check the battery terminals, sometimes they work loose could just be that, hapened to my ax before :)

[WelshyUK]

Your on the right track, if you've got a multimeter do a current test on the battery if it's ok then it will be the alternator. If this is the case it might only be the brushes which is a quick fix and cheap. If you can't get your hands on one then as Pred said go halfrauds for a free check!!!

[Predator_R32]

an sometimes the bushes only need a bit of a clean with a wire brush, easy to get the alternator out and apart :y:

[onzakieron]

I work at Halfords too which is a good thing (Bikehut before you bite my head off for not knowing).
I'll have a search for a guide on the alternator now, see what I can find..

[Predator_R32]

forgot about that kieron there all pretty useless who work there tbh :p

[WelshyUK]

forgot about that kieron there all pretty useless who work there tbh :p

Lol!! couldn't be more accurate!!

[onzakieron]

Haha, like I say i'm on bikes so I won't argue but aye. On the other hand could someone point me in the way of the alternator on a VTR engine as i'm looking at the starter motor haha. I'm embarrasing.

[onzakieron]

Sorry but bump, decided it is the alternator after charging and it doing the same thing except loosing power steering as 80 on the motorway...scary...

[onzakieron]

Bumpppp, the alternator is at the bottom left if looking down on the engine aye?

I really need a Haynes manual..

[WelshyUK]

Yes it is, It's mounted with 3 bolts! loosen all three which should create enough play to get the belt off, then take all 3 bolts out!!! see about getting it refurbed somwhere local though if it is the bushes then it's not an expensive fix, K Buddy!!

[Predator_R32]

as said bottom left of the engine bay

undo the bolt with the wire on, best to disconnect the battery before you start too

then undo the adjuster bolt that tightens the belt up

and finally the one at the bottom that holds the alternator on, best to jack it up for tha one

very easy :y: