Hi,

I have a 2004 (54) Ford Fiesta and the other day the battery gave out. I was driving home and the battery light popped on and then all the dials and internal electrics failed. Managed to limp to a well known chain who promise to fit things quickly and they replaced the battery (it was only giving out 8V). I asked to test again with the new and the readout was 12.5V (low but acceptable I beleive). The battery light was still on, however, when I left and he advised that everything was working fine but it could be the regulator(?). It was BH Monday so couldnt do much about it.

Now, when starting the car the engine idles at around 1200 RPM and then after a short while the battery light comes on again. Once driving after about 5 minutes the battery light goes out the idle speed (at lights...etc) drops to about 700 RPM (which I would expect). The fact that the light goes out after a short while and the revs drop lead to believe that its not the alternator but I am no mechanic so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Leom.