Zetec_mk4_XR3i

Bit of a weird one with my Sapphire, was hoping for some advice before I start looking/checking stuff at weekend.

Used the car most of weekend and was fine, although I did see the battery light glowly faintly on the Sunday at one point.

Fired her up last night no problem and went for a run. About 20 mins later the battery light was on, and dash lights were getting dim and car cut out and was completely dead. Jump started no problem and no battery light on. Drove home carefully and when just getting home the same happened again, battery light on and lights practically died on me. Parked up and tried to start out of curiosity and car started no problem?

Just to add car isn’t used daily, and usually has a trickle charger on to keep the battery topped up. Have had a few instances of flat battery and just put it down to lack of use.

Plan is to check various voltages, wiring to alternator etc at weekend but curious if anyone has had similar issues.

CheeRS

Csm

When my old one did this it was the alternator that was humped, indicators etc would work drove on battery steam untill conked out again at worst possible place on the road lol.

Zetec_mk4_XR3i

Cheers dude aye mine did the same, on a busy roundabout of all places!!!

Csm

That was meant to say indicators etc would not work lol

Yeah mine was at traffic lights on a busy busy road when it conked out again the bastard lol

Caddyshack

I have a feeling mine may be playing up. There is a company near Portsmouth that can rebuild and test them (I think there are a lot of these companies about)

Cossiemainful

iTrader: (1)

With a bit of luck it's a broken alternator regulator. Was an easy fix on my old car.

cossynut2

99.9% it will be your alternator has packed up. Had very similar symptoms with my 2wd Saff. No problems since fitting new alternator. The old one had been on the car for at least 21 years so it lasted well!

Zetec_mk4_XR3i

Well finally got round to having a look at this.

When running, the voltage was dropping to 11.3ish then with lights and blower on, would drop even more.

On the basis that it should be reading over 13v when charging/running, I guess this confirms the alternator is goosed!!

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

A regulator is about 10 quid. The terminals wear away. I canged mine last year.

Cossiemainful

iTrader: (1)

+1

a way more cheaper fix is to buy two new carbon brushes and braze them in the old regulator (makes only sense, if the PCB of the regulator is in working order). If nothing of this helps, u can buy another altenator.

Zetec_mk4_XR3i

Should have said, readings were taken after I replaced the regulator, as thought I would try that first but must be something internal.

Think I've got another one coming from Gary at RS classics but will prob get mine reconditioned.

Matty_C

Think my car has the same issue as yours however my Rev counter and temp gauge have packed up as well as the battery light coming on!