Hi Loz, as you know, I know nothing. On my 1.4 8V, I do more short journeys than long and the air con, radio, internal fan (when you cut off incoming air) etc are a pretty big drain. I wonder if your light is flashing to say that you are draining more power at that point than the alternator is replacing, since presumably it disconnects for a second when you change gear to accelerate.

Perhaps you could see if it happens when all unnecessary electrics are switched off? Hopefully someone will tell us if this is nonsense, but I can't see it would hurt to try it.

Best

Mo

Hi Loz, as you know, I know nothing. On my 1.4 8V, I do more short journeys than long and the air con, radio, internal fan (when you cut off incoming air) etc are a pretty big drain. I wonder if your light is flashing to say that you are draining more power at that point than the alternator is replacing, since presumably it disconnects for a second when you change gear to accelerate.

Perhaps you could see if it happens when all unnecessary electrics are switched off? Hopefully someone will tell us if this is nonsense, but I can't see it would hurt to try it.

Best

Mo

The alternator is driven all the time, it just regulates the output depending upon the load required.

The air-con is driven by the drive belt so not much electricity used here as it's driven all the time.

The alternator on the vehicle should be able to supply more than enough juice than is normally required.

Have you had the regulator on the alternator looked at? this could be malfunctioning?

The alternator is driven all the time, it just regulates the output depending upon the load required.

The air-con is driven by the drive belt so not much electricity used here as it's driven all the time.

The alternator on the vehicle should be able to supply more than enough juice than is normally required.

Have you had the regulator on the alternator looked at? this could be malfunctioning?

Mine (1.4 8V) bought from new just wouldn't go up steepish hills and they said it was likely if I had the AC on, so I guess it drains something... It's true that it will go up them when AC is not on. Sorry, Loz, this could be completely irrelevant to your problem.

Mo

:iagree:

you'd be amazed at just how much power is needed to turn over something like an AC pump

AC is irrelevant anyway, it wasn't on at the time in question

Hopefully it's one more less - an oxymoron that works if it eliminates something

Best

Mo

Just got back from the dealer, looks pretty likely that the fault on my Fabia IS the alterator (sticking sensor?). More tests at another dealer to confirm - but the dianostic guy was pretty certain thats where the problem lies (sounded like he's seen it before). Providing this is the problem - she's going in next week - and under warranty!

Woo hoo - maybe persistence pays off! Now only if they had done this 24 months ago!

Ok, Ok maybe getting ahead of myself - but at least they now believe the warning lights do come on (even when nothing on to drain power)and that there is a problem and I'm not making it up.