Hi,

Let my lady use the Octy today. When almost at work she said the battery light flashed and 'alternator work shop' displayed on dash (or somehting to this effect).

Could this be a loose battery terminal as its just been for a service? Or has the battery or alternator gone?

I am 50 miles away and so can't help and I forgot to transfer breakdown!

Its a 60K 'O2 TDI AUTO.

Thanks all, fast help appreciated on this one.

Might help if we knew where she was!

Just need to know if I should go there and rescue her (i can fix a loose terminal or replace a battery) or to pay the aa for a callout?

Ah, I thought you were wanting the 'Brisky Rescue Service' !.

Can't help with the problem though, sorry

Are you a member of the AA?

If so they cover you not the car, so if you were there, then you know you would be covered.

Could always try the i am with my car, but am going to have to leave for a business call/meeting. My G/f is swapping cars with me so i will leave her in charge of my car line

How long is the drive home, is it 50 miles?

I have driven older dervs home with no altenator belt then gone and got a new belt and replaced it, so if she can start the thing it would be worth her driving it home with as few electrics on as possible.

Could always try the i am with my car, but am going to have to leave for a business call/meeting. My G/f is swapping cars with me so i will leave her in charge of my car line

that old chestnut!!!

oldest trick in the book, it never fails!

She made it home!

The car seem 100%, she got an x-mechanic at her work to check it over (as I will later). The battery terminals were 100%, the battery fine and the alternator charging (lights brighten when reved - I'll check with a meter later).

However twice now (never see by me) the battery light and check alternator had beeped on the display - perhaps it is a loose wire between the battery and alternator?

Anyway I had the bushed change on this car, could this have anything to do with it?

Thanks all!

Could do if one is cracked or something.

I thought the regulator was supposed to stop the lights brightening when you rev the car?

This is sounding like it may be a problem with the regulator I think. Any decent garage (no need for a main stealer) will be able to confirm/deny the diagnosis, and change regulator/fit exchange alternator, as required. Wants investigating soonest, since it can knacker the battery if it's over-charging.

, since it can knacker the battery if it's over-charging.

:iagree:

could also damage the ecu if it's not putting out enough voltage

I thought ECUs just shut themselves down if they "browned out".

Is the regulator easy to replace and would that not be on all the time? I will check voltage with meter when I get off work

Don't know about easiness, cos the only times I've ever had that sort of problem the car was still under warranty, and vendor went the exchange alternator route.

Had some bizzare behaviours out of one of the alternators/charge lights before it went down, but the other one "just stopped".