My alternator belt snapped a while back, but I fitted a new one and everything was fine. Last night however, driving in thick mist and rain, the batt light came on, and has not gone off since. It dims,and gets stronger when u flick wipers or windows etc. The belts still on and still spinning too. Any ideas? Tighten belt? Alternator knackered? Check the connections going to the alternator too, they appear fine and as they were before.

 

check the belt tension, alternator and battery connections first but i would say the alternator is on its way out to be honest

 

Well, the tension is ok, its not particularly tight, but not loose. Connections seem fine.

 

just tightened it up, and still the same problem. Its had a good 25-30milesand the lights/radio/fuel pump still look and sound the same as ever. Confusing me!

 

Check the actual output of the alternator, as it could actually still be charging!!
tabetha

 

I can't I don't have a tester I suppose a garage will do a check for me for the equivalent of nothing?

 

Do it the FREE way!!
Leave the ignition on(2) with lights etc on for around 10 minutes, facing a wall, then after 10 minutes still with the lights on, start the car, allow to idle, then when revved gently you should see the lights getting brighter.
Take a mate to help bump the car in case it all goes wrong, as I'm not paying your taxi fare home!!
tabetha

 

haha fair enough. Well I've now been and done about 60 miles since it first came on, it still starts so easily and doesn't give me any reason to suspect its not charging!

 

mate had the same problem on his rover. Turned out the charging regulator on the alternator was knackered. Whip the alternator off and get it to an auto electrician, he'll sort it for you in minutes.

 

Check the earthing point behind the speaker in the drivers side footwell, give it a clean and tighten, thats what i did when i had a similar prob.