Charging fault on Ford Focus

[DWEM]

yesterday while driving about my ignition light (the battery looking one) came on, and when i stopped the car, it wouldn't start again, as battery totally flat.

I bit the bullet and went to halfrauds and bought a new one, as it was about time it got replaced.

car starts all fine, but after a minute or so i noticed the ignition light came back on.
thinking it might have had a low charge, i had a bit of a drive about.

after work i tested the alternator, it seems to charge fine, until the light comes on, at that point it no longer charges.

it's a 2000 (w reg) 2.0l manual petrol engine.

anyone got any ideas on why the charging stops after about a minute or so? I can't really afford to have the ford stealership investigate.

[robbo0070]

try checking the tension on the drive belt if its loose it wont charge the battery you could also check alternator connection block and make sure its not come loose

[DWEM]

cheers, i'll have a look tomorrow.

i just went for a drive and the light kept turning off for a minute or so, then on again.
hoping something either loose connection or belt

[windy1603]

Not sure if your model is young enough to have smart charging on it. See link below for faults etc
http://www.petercoopercarrepairs.co....t_charging.htm

[DWEM]

checked the belt, and it looks fine.
connection blocks are all connected.

ford want £75 +vat an hour to diagnose it, and if alternator £200 to fit one (inc parts)

gonna have to hunt for a friendly mechanic

[matthewburton79]

Where abouts are you based mate??
If you can get to the black connector on the alternator have a little pull on the wires, you'll prob find that the blue wire is corroded and broken.

[DWEM]

down in Southampton.

will give the wires a tug

[crabber]

"ford want £75 +vat an hour to diagnose it, and if alternator £200 to fit one (inc parts)"

What a rip off!! I don't know anything about the particular alternator on your car but I am guessing it cant be that complicated or expensive because of its age.
What did you do to test it? have you taken it off and had a look at it? there are a couple of small DC brushes that could be worn or sticking, or possibly an intermittent fault on the regulator (again I am guessing it is an internal one) both of these items cost very little.
If all else fails do you have an independent auto electrical shop that sells exchange or new alternators and starters.
Best of luck, I am sure you can fix it for next to nothing.

[DWEM]

blue wire all ok.

think i have found a friendly spanner monkey, so will visit on weekend with beer.