Brava troubles - cross post

[MPlb]

Yesterday I was driving home and the battery light came on. The car kept going for about 30 minutes and then it died. The hazard lights worked but weren't very bright. The car wouldn't turn over at all and the electric windows wouldn't go up.

It started ok with a jump start but after 20 seconds of driving it died again.

Does this point to the alternator being knackered or is there something else I should be looking at?

Thanks

Matthew

 

[HP]

Yeah, I'd suggest your alternator needs looking at.

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
Cinqs&Seis Yahoo group
Clubcento

 

[The Mighty]

I suggest that your battery light is "RED" in colour. When a "RED" light comes on it is usual to find out what the problem is immediately.
Hope you don't keep driving for 30 mins the next time the "RED" oil pressuse lamp comes on........................

And yes it will no doubt be the alternator.

 

[MPlb]

Thanks for the sermon 'The Mighty'. Maybe when you're in the middle of the French countryside in 35C heat with a heavily pregnant wife in the car you'll find a miraculously located garage and get them to check the car out.

Me? I'd rather get her as close to civilisation as possible...

 

[HP]

If you have the time to do it (i.e without the car for a day) you can save a lot of dosh by taking the alternator off and dropping it in at an auto electrics place to have it fixed. I got new bearings in mine for £25, he checked the rest out and said it was all a-ok. An exchange recon one would have been close to £100.

BTW, I shredded my alternator belt at over 110mph on the M1, carried on flat out for another 2 miles to prove a point to a twerp trying to harrass me, stopped to pull the loose bits off later then drove home 90 miles anyway - so it can be done! Chill, Mr (High &) Mighty

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
Cinqs&Seis Yahoo group
Clubcento

 

[MPlb]

Thanks for the advice FIAT, unfortunately I think it will be impossible for me to find a place that does that over sort of thing over here. There's more a culture of leave it in the garage and take whatever they say is wrong as gospel and pay up regardless. Going to most French garages is a bit like playing (I'd imagine) Russian Roulette. Luckily I've found one that's not too bad and usually does a good job.

I'm going crawl under the car tomorrow morning (when it's a bit cooler) and take a look and see if:

1. The alternator belt is still there.
2. If it is, whether it's loose or not (are they easy to tighten in this case, how is it done?).
3. See if there any wires hanging off the alternator. I had this happen on a Citroen once. Car died, AA came along, plugged it back on, jump started it and it was fine.

At least if I'm armed with a bit of info and I can tell if the 'garagiste' is trying to pull a fast one.

Just out of interest, is replacing the alternator on a Brava an easy job or do you need special tools. I did one on the AX once and it was just a question of undoing a couple of bolts and wires, taking off the belt and put the new one on. Is it in an awkward position on the Brava?

Thanks again

Matthew

 

[HP]

I'll be honest and say I've never worked on a Brava. Can't imagine it being too complicated, Anyone else?

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
Cinqs&Seis Yahoo group
Clubcento

 

[The Mighty]

Wasn't preaching just having a bit of a sarcy moment.........No harm intended.

CP

Not that Mighty and definately not very high.......

 

[Donz]

:Ooh NO! i have a red light on my dashboard, i better find a garage QUICK!!!



oh, wait a minute, the handbrake is still on[xx(]


(we are all entitled to sarcy moments)

SEI POWER

NOS Guzzlers are just lower beings ​

 

[MikeWhitcombe]

Don't I know it

Cinqmeister
Alias: BIG BROTHER
http://www.channel9.tk
'94 Cinquecento Basica (USA Spec) 0,9l

 

[The Mighty]

You didn't drive for 30 minutes with that handbrake on did ya???.....................

 

[Donz]

no i hadn't left the driveway yet, i was too worried about the little red light

SEI POWER

NOS Guzzlers are just lower beings ​

 

[The Mighty]

Thats good, its probably safer if you stay in the driveway.........