In summer my Grande Punto went in to have a clutch change, and ended up comming back with an electrical fault that is still undiagnosed

the car has a drain on the + cable that goes from the battery to the starter and the alternator, it will flatten the battery in around 3-4 hours, the AA found the current leak so I know that is definate, also its showing a hill holder unavailible message and the blue and me is very very unreliable.

next is... if you start the engine the battery light stays on despite getting +15v at the battery, if you turn the engine off then restart again straght away it works fine

Im thinking its the alternator because while I was waiting for the clutch parts to arrive the car was stood for about 4 weeks, the garage said it was probably the alternator and so replaced it, I know they used a cheap one because I asked for the cheapest.

could an incorrectly fitted or wrong all together alternator cause this?

the car has been off the road for the winter as Ive not needed it, Il be looking to get it sorted soon, just thought I would ask before I take it to the auto electrician in a few weeks

15 + volts seems a bit high, mine is 14.4v on start up and settles down 13.9 when the engine is warm.

Same problem I'm suffering Matty, nosey at this https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/254180-alternator-changed-battery-light-when-starting.html

The guy seems to say that when he got a FIAT genuine alternator all was well.

I do wonder if FIAT fitted it for him and did something to the ECU or Body computer to accept the alternator....

73503235 is the FIAT part no which is also listed for the Stilo, Alfas etc.