Technical red battery light

[stega19]

Hi

think ive got a fault with my alternator as the red battery light on the dash comes on sometimes when i start the car.

is their any other explination for this? just incase i can fix it myself.

cheers

 

[custard]

check the connections,earths and belt tension
also that theres not a drain on the battery

 

[stega19]

how can i check for a drain on the battery?

also last nite was driving with the red light on and car woudnt start had to bump start it. after bumping red light went out and now car will start but red light is back on

 

[custard]

you will need a multimeter to check for drains on the battery,got one?

 

[Tomasso]

After you check it for drains, inspect your alternator. Tis a pretty common fault that the rotor gradually expands due to dirt and water going in it and eventually chassis breaks. Once it happens, the alternator's axle is warped and runs harder=slower (can you hear the bels squeaking from time to time?).

This may lead to locking the rotor completely and damaging the alternator, breaking the belt etc. I had my alt repaired by the service on 50/50 basis (even after warranty - I kept writing to them claiming that this is a hidden fault and they finally accepted that).