Alternator or Battery?

[CraigLovelock]

Hi.

Basicly car was running fine etc... then someone tried to backfire it...

The old rev to 4 -5k and then turn off and on again. Except they didnt turn it on again to the engine start just so the electric works etc.

After that i tryed to turn it on but all the lights on the speedo etc went out and the engine just wouldnt make a noise.

Bump started it and it was running fine. Took it for a 5 min ish drive and then turned off and on but it didnt do anything again.

We got the jumpleads out and tryed turning the ignition after letting it charge for a bit... but it kinda made the starting noise but didnt fully start.

We bumped it again and have had it running... needed petrol but had to keep car running... turns out you need the key to open petrol cap :homme: spare key to the resque.

Went back to where we were and someone had a voltmetre or w.e... tryed it and said the alternator is fine as it was charging.

Been told that all i need is a new battery...

Just wondering if anyone had anyother ideas?

Thanks.

Craig.

[CraigLovelock]

Also on the way home the speedo stopped working etc. Just wouldnt move. Lights were on fine etc but the interior light was sorter dimming and that...

[ShockZy]

Guessin its new battery mate, sort of same thing happened to me. Also the engine management light came on. When i tried to start it, it was a really loud fast ticking noise.

[CraigLovelock]

Going to halfords tomorrow and hope its that.

Is really quite annoying since it pretty much like stalling the car at high revs and this happens...

Would the low battery power cause the speedo's not to work?

[CraigLovelock]

Morning bump as need to get this sorted...

[Stevo123]

If the alternator was working you would not have had issues when driving home with the dimming lights etc. Bear in mind that the battery's only job is to start the car, and to power electrics when engine is off. Once engine is running the alternator tops up the battery and powers the cars electrics.

From what you have said I think your alternator has died and also because your battery is now drained it's likely damaged to and will not hold a good enough charge to start the car - unless your lucky.

Alternator is an easy job to do though and a 2nd hand one from scrappy should be cheap enough so dont worry mate

[CraigLovelock]

If the alternator was working you would not have had issues when driving home with the dimming lights etc. Bear in mind that the battery's only job is to start the car, and to power electrics when engine is off. Once engine is running the alternator tops up the battery and powers the cars electrics.

From what you have said I think your alternator has died and also because your battery is now drained it's likely damaged to and will not hold a good enough charge to start the car - unless your lucky.

Alternator is an easy job to do though and a 2nd hand one from scrappy should be cheap enough so dont worry mate

Got told the alternator was working since someone used a voltmetre and said it was charging but the battery wouldnt keep the charge etc.

Also when we tried jump starting it the terminals wernt sparking etc.

Anyways i just brought a new battery so hope that it starts...

[CraigLovelock]

Just fitted the new battery and everything works fine.

Going to leave it to idle for a bit after lunch then take it for a drive.

Hoping the alternator charges it. Is there anyway to test except for a voltmetre...

[josh1989]

different car but on the family's old audi a6 this started happening, and putting a new battery in didn't help, it turned out that a rat got into the engine bay and ate through all the ecu wires and wrote it off, not saying you've got rats just a diagnostics test maybe the way to go if a new battery doesn't help :)