Ignition light flickered on for a few seconds then went out a mile from home.
Got home, switched off, and turned igition back on (position 2) - no ignition light. (Other lights on ok).
Engine starts ok, go for five minute test run - other electrical stuff seems to be ok. Still no ignition light, engine running or not.
Have'nt driven the car si nce - but now (4 days later) battery is nearly flat. No lights or anything left on.
My guess is alternator has died - am I right?
Thanks for any opinions!
BTW, car is a 99 1.8lx estate
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BTW car is a 99 1.8lx estate
A '99 1.8lx estate what?
A Mondeo: see bold type above the "replies" column - no sarcasm intended at you ! - PU
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>> BTW car is a 99 1.8lx estate A '99 1.8lx estate what?
Mondeo, petrol! (Sorry, thought I'd mentioned that!)
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If you'd put in the subject line.......well it's there now. Screwloose will be back no doubt with some advice.
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cortinaman
Many things can afflict an alternator; but my guess would be the brushes have worn out.
An exchange unit is the usual route. Some types [Ford use many suppliers OE] can have the brushes/regulator changed from the outside - most, that late, can't.
There are some tests - if you're so inclined.
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If the car is still running ok then it is more likely the diode that feeds the ingnition light is faulty normally situated in the alternator.As long as the unit is still charging it will probably run for ages with no problems,many people change expensive alternators when its only the resistor pack that needs replacing which can be bought for a few pounds.
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the diode that feeds the ingnition light
An interesting concept. How exactly does that work then?
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He may possibly be referring to the diode trio which feeds the warning light but which, much more importantly, also supplies the field current to the rotor. On some machines of US design this diode assembly can be changed independently of the other 6 diodes in the main bridge.
Don't bodge an alternator - it's just not worth the grief which will occur later and it may shorten the life of the battery.
From the original symptoms, I'd suggest checking the brushgear and sliprings. If you find one ring is worn through, change the machine. If not, a replacement brushbox/regulator assembly might be available at an economic price.
659.
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ive had the problem with the diode pack on a fiesta , but in my case the battery charge light stayed with the ignition off thus indicating that the battery was draining into the alternator because the diode which is basically a one way electrical valve had broken down causing a reverse flow thru the alternator windings
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