James Brunt

Hi all,

I have had my new focus for about two months now and today driving home my battery light came on. I restarted the car and the light came back on so when I got home I opened the bonnet and I could smell burning.

I put the car into test mode and with the car off it reads 12.6V. Once I turn the car on the voltage drops to 12.0V then slowly rises up. After about 30 seconds it reads 13.0V and after a minute or so it reads 14.4V.

Originally I was convinced it was the alternator but now I'm not sure as the voltage is going up to 14.4V.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? I'm thinking along the line of some sort of short?

I did service the car yesterday and changed the fuel filter which is directly on top of the alternator? Could some fuel have got spilled on the alternator causing this problem?

Car is 2009 Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI Titanium X with the 150A alternator due to heated seats.

Thanks,

James

James Brunt

Had a bit more light today after work so I tried turning the car on and watching the voltage. Car started at 12.6 volts. Reduced down to 12.0V and did not move for a good minute. After about three minutes the voltage got to about 13.7V.

I then unplugged the smart charge connector to see if it made a difference. I turned the car on and it remained at 12V before slowly creeping up.

When I removed the smart charger connector I noticed that the alternator was very hot. Considering the engine had only been on for a few minutes I think it has gone wrong.

Gonna order a new alternator and aux belt from euros as they have 30% off this weekend. Hopefully it will fix the problem.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Certainly sounds like the alternator at fault.