Ive noticed when sitting in my mk2 punto whenever I press like, even the electric window buttons the lights dim a bit and you can hear the engine changing its idle to get power to it, is this normal? I mean the cabin light dims a bit when I turn my sound system right up along with the bass, quite cool actually lol, but the electric windows shouldnt use that much power should they?

Is it an alternator problem or normal for a wee 1.2?

Sounds normal on a petrol engine car if idling. Might be worth having the Alternator checked though

You want to hear my smart, it sounds like it is going to stall when you open the window.

the alternator belt might be loose, the battery needing to be charged, unless you over reacting of course..

Yeah the battery is a bit run down, it went completely flat a few days ago and the car wouldnt start without a jump start, ran the engine for a bit and charged it back up a bit, Ive been ticking the engine over everyday when possible but I think the battery is a bit naff considering its been sitting out in the cold for so long. The belt may also be loose actually 'cause theres a squeek sometimes when the cars running, I'll have a look.

Chris0288 said:

Yeah the battery is a bit run down, it went completely flat a few days ago and the car wouldnt start without a jump start, ran the engine for a bit and charged it back up a bit, Ive been ticking the engine over everyday when possible but I think the battery is a bit naff considering its been sitting out in the cold for so long. The belt may also be loose actually 'cause theres a squeek sometimes when the cars running, I'll have a look.

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there you go then, replace the battery, tighten the belt.

MIne does this, the battery is fine............

If the battery went completely dead either it was already on its way out or it is now (discharging lead-acid batteries usually damages them).

well it never went completely dead, ignition would turn 1 turn, all lights etc would come on, radio would work, fans go on etc, just when you tried to start it the airbag warning light would light up or stay on for some reason and the starter motor wouldnt even try.

Do you start the engine with the lights on?

I always used to do this until the start of winter when the battery went a bit flat, so stopped and the green LED on the battery came back on. When you said the starter motor wouldnt even try, that was the same on mine for about 2 seconds, then it just about turned over. To get it charged up again just do some runs without anything turned on!

K, Im thinking once I pass my test and get it out on the road these little niggles because its sitting in one place for ages will go away, and some more will probably crop up, when I was painting the brake calipers and drums red the other week there I got a lovely surprise in that the back brakes are non existant , no rubber on the shoes atall just metal on metal, cant be good thankfully its off the road just now, need me some new shoes....