Hi,

My mother and brother share a ford escort 1.3 HCS base model. They reported a constantly on charge light, dim unchanging when reved. I put a multimeter across the battery and conectors and got a constant 11.95 ish reading. With the engin running this is also constant. I have assumed it is either the alternator or the voltage regulator on the alternator. (please say if you disagree).

I have also found the water levels to be slightly low in the battery, very equally and all of them. I have toped them up and it is on charge, showing near full at the outset.

The car is standard except for some aftermarket 6x9's and a 12" sub + amp.

The alternator was 23mths old and was a new not recon from halfords, the battery is of similar age.

Is it possible that the stereo is putting too much of a strain on the system? and if so can a higher amp alternator of a higher model be fitted with no other mods? ie will it affect the ignition etc. the amp is wired directly to the battery with the correct kit and is activated by the blue wire, remote.

I should add that the fuse has blown on the amp regularly recently, the earth was refreshed and all seemed ok. There has been one blow of the rear tail/dash board lights. this has not reocured / happened again. (sorry for some of the spelling).

cheers nick