maxiboy1

Hi all, on my 2003 ford fiesta zetec 1.4 the battey light has been on, as advised i have changed the alternator and tested the battery but the light is still on, the alternator is sometimes changing at 12 and a click will occur and will shoot up to 14.5, the clicking occurs behind the dashboard, does anyone know what this could be? thanks in advance

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

This will have a "Smart Charge" system, this is most likely whats at fault, check the 3 pin plug on the alternator as it's very common for these to break and thus have a bad connection.

Martin

maxiboy1

hi
i have checked the plug and everything is ok with the connectors on that, what else could be the problem? what could the clicking in the dashboard be? it sounds like something turning on and off

vectrac20tsri

maybe a relay not to sure how they work

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

What he ^^ said, sounds like it's cutting in and out, it's usually always a wiring problem opposed to the actual ECU side, maybe the relay itself is faulty?

A basic SPST relay is just an electronic switch for reference, when the coil inside is energized it magnetises and pulls the switch contact closed, this is the click you can hear when a relay tripped, you can of course have timed relays, changeover relays etc.

Martin

maxiboy1

ok thanks, is there any way of checking or testing the relays? do u know wher they are on the car? thanks for your help

ray barker

you can by pass smart charge to eliminate pull plug from alt will revert to normal charging without interference from ecu