Failing electrics

[aviationartist]

Got in to the car just now hoping for an early get away from work today only to find that 100 yds down the road the lights were very dim and wiper super slow. Sure enough it died within feet. Don't know if it's related but SRS light came on for the first time this morning. Am I right in thinking i need a lift to get a new battery?

 

[BlackC55]

Battery or alternator issue I expect. What ever it is its a lack of voltage problem. Are the battery terminals tight?

What car is it?

 

[aviationartist]

Thanks for the reply, it's getting cold sitting here! Car is a 200TE

 

[BlackC55]

124?

Open the bonnet and check the battery terminals. Have you got breakdown cover?

 

[dozypillock]

Got in to the car just now hoping for an early get away from work today only to find that 100 yds down the road the lights were very dim and wiper super slow. Sure enough it died within feet. Don't know if it's related but SRS light came on for the first time this morning. Am I right in thinking i need a lift to get a new battery?

My guess would be alternator? There was obviously enough in the battery to start it, and then the alternator should have been supplying enough to run things. The fact the lights were dim etc means no power coming back from anywhere, and lights use a lot of battery.
If you attempt to jump start it, make sure you do it correctly, or your bill will probably rise very quickly.

Neil

 

[aviationartist]

Battery terminals are tight, wife on her way. Battery is a 60a odd make

 

[aviationartist]

Jump starting wouldn't get me home though?

 

[dozypillock]

Jump starting wouldn't get me home though?

It would help in diagnosis if you can get it running, and measure voltages etc

Neil

 

[brucemillar]

If it's the alternator and you manage to get it started? It will probably cut out again the first time you have to stop. It does sound like an alternator failing/failed.

 

[aviationartist]

Thanks all, I'm back at home now, so can at least deal with it without freezing! I think alterator too, but will look at it in the morning when back at work. Forgot to check belt when I had the bonnet open, it has been squeaking for a while, but would have thought I'd have heard it if it had fallen off this morning...

 

[grober]

If its the alternator that appears to have failed and its the voltage regulator/brush pack that's gone its a potential DIY repair.

[YOUTUBE]WYvZRz5Truo[/YOUTUBE]

 

[aviationartist]

That is an excellent link, thank you. I'll take a look and see if it is the guilty party. Thanks again

 

[aviationartist]

Ok, so looking for somewhere to buy a voltage regulator and finding it difficult. GSF don't like the search term, neither do eurocarparts, was hoping either of those would be able to give me a part number... any ideas?