Hi all, as title, on the motorway back home, the battery light has come on. Ive looked in the Skoda Owners Manual and it says to check the ribbed belt to see if it is loose or broken; the belt has to be tensioned or replaced..What is this "ribbed belt"? And is this a common fault to come up on Mk1 Octy Vrs'?? Any replies and help is appreciated, cheers

Guessing ribbed belt is the alternator belt...

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Check the main cable from the alternator to the fusebox on top of the battery, it could have over heated and melted it.

It's a double ribbed belts it has ribs both sides and runs all the alternator and power steering and air con pump, think there a 6pk1190d or summin like that

Is the alternator belt expensive to change?

Check that as mentioned but also check the fuses on top of the battery

I'd start with the aux drive belt tension, but that seems unlikely unless the steering is heavier than usual, and battery top fuse pack as above.

After that, I'd start wondering about the alternator connections, the earths and the sprague clutch in the drive pulley.

I'd have the battery checked if I were you, might be on it's way out? I thought the battery lights come on once the voltage has dropped to a certain level? Should be about 12v when the car isn't running, and go up to 14.5v when it is. Could also be a slipping alternator belt, or failing alternator?

Ive just looked at the alternator belt, from what i can see, looks fine, no cracks etc. Ive also had a look at the thick main wire off the fuse box, on top of the battery, and again looks to be fine. Would you recommend replacing the battery first? And is the car safe to drive with the battery light on?:-(

If the belt is intact then I would check the voltage of the battery with a voltmeter. Check with the engine running (should expect to see a little over 14v at idle), and around 12v with the engine off.

ATS or Kwik fit will check your battery free of charge

When this happened to me a couple of week ago the alternator packed up. I drove it to within 1 mile of my garage before i lost all power. I think i buggered the battery as well as I had to get another two days later. However they were both original so not bad for 6 years and 270000 miles.

So tried driving to kwik fit..8inches of snow..My battery light still on, then comes on my traction control light and my ABS light..The wipers slow down, the climatronic readout becomes dull, so i pulled over, switched my car off and now it wont start..-_- Could my battery most likely need replacing?

So tried driving to kwik fit..8inches of snow..My battery light still on, then comes on my traction control light and my ABS light..The wipers slow down, the climatronic readout becomes dull, so i pulled over, switched my car off and now it wont start..-_- Could my battery most likely need replacing?

That's your electronic systems shutting down due to low supply voltage, so you've got an alternator (drive) problem, already discussed. This may or may not have also FUBARed the battery.

Edited 18 January, 201313 yr by KenONeill

Not sure if you got to the bottom of this but this thread might help you

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/261286-getting-really-annoyed-with-the-car-charging-troubles/page__hl__+charging%20+problem#entry3085455

I have seen a few instances of the alternator to battery wires and plug connector break down and cause charging issues.

hope this helps

Pretty sure its the alternator and I would get them to check the battery as well. Good luck

Called AA and they came and said that it the alternator at fault :-( Now have to wait over two hours for a tow :'( Thanks for the replies and help :-)

All fixed and seems well!^_^ Battery light has gone! The garage told me to leave my car running for a few hours so the battery charges fully..