Hi there,

So I had this issue last november and it came around again today. I was driving in rain (generally the weather was humid) and all of a sudden I got a "no battery charge" warning light coming on. In november I pulled over, stopped the engine (bad move) and waited a few minutes then the battery had barely enough charge to start the engine and the problem was gone. Up until today when the car needed to be jump started the battery had been drained completely by the time I had found a spot to pull over. Strangely enough some kind of vapor was smoking from the engine that might have been water evaporating. Now I'm a bit puzzled as to why this happenes and what can be done to it? I appreciate any advice or experience.

I'd start by getting a multimeter and checking the what kind of voltage the alternator is kicking out it should be around 13.8-14.5 sort of area if the alternator is functioning correctly

Anything less then this you have a fault with either the wiring or the alternator itself


The vapor issue I'd check the coolant level has dropped then remove the oil cap and check for any buildup on the cap that could point to a leak

Could your alternator belt be loose and in the rain it slips, heats up and makes steam but no electricity?

Good point Brendan

Ade:wave:

The later Grande suffers from the scuttle drains pouring onto the alternator, for which there are modified drain tubes. Would need to search for the relevant thread.

Does the same problem apply to the Mk2?

Thank you guys for the responses. I checked the car today, now the weather is sunny and warmer but still no charge. I could start up but soon the battery was drained and the engine quit. Unfortunately I dont have the neccessary equipment to test the alternator so I better look for a mechanic who can do electrical stuff.

szombati said:

Thank you guys for the responses. I checked the car today, now the weather is sunny and warmer but still no charge. I could start up but soon the battery was drained and the engine quit. Unfortunately I dont have the neccessary equipment to test the alternator so I better look for a mechanic who can do electrical stuff.

Click to expand...

95% certain you will need a new alternator. Also get the scuttle drains fixed. For the minimal cost a new auxillary belt would a good idea.

Robert G8RPI.

Thank!
With my friends help we checked the battery, voltage was 12.2 now I hooked up to charge. To be on the safe side later he will bring a spare battery of his to check the car with that. I checked the drivebelt seems tense enough altough I don't know anything about that water drain part you guys mentioned. When I had the indication yesterday water was pouring into the engine bay from the middle of water collector below the windshield. Is it supposed to be dripping there?

There should be a drain tube from the collector to keep the water off the engine. In some Puntos this was too short and directed the water onto the alternator casining it to fail. Sounds like the drain tube is completly missing on your car.
Was the 12.2V measure with the engine running? If so your alternator has failed.
A quick check is with enging running, revs over 1000 RPM and headlights on the voltage at the battery should be at least 13.5V with a charged battery, after a long drive it should be at least 13.8V

Robert G8RPI.

Well the 12.2 V was purely from the battery but now we put it back, jump started the car and voltage was 13.4 but I still had the no charge indication and there was noticeable squeeking from the belt (definately slipping). As for the water drainage I have those small tubes underneath the vipers and one of them is almost above the alternator (poor design I guess). They were however filled with leaves and debris (my negligance). What I suspect is that the leaves stuck at bottom of the tube deflected the water straight onto the generator. Very vague suspicion though. Well tomorrow I look for a technician but I guess the alternator is to blame.

Oh I made a mistake, the voltage was 11.4 with engine running so its definately the alternator.

Yes, alternator has gone. You need to lengthen the drain tube near the alternator so it does not happen again. You can do it yourself or buy the Fiat part 51885638
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282032516649?

Robert G8RPI.

Thanks! You're awesome man :slayer: i'm definately goint change it.

Well it turned out - my mechanic called - that the stator of the alternator is completely burnt. That explains everything
Thanks again for the help guys I really appreciate it.