Battery light continuously on

[BIGJO]

Hi all,

Having some problems at the moment and they seem to be getting bad to worse.

Anyway I bought a new battery yesterday to find that the battery light is on in the dash and the car won't start.

Someone said it could be the alternator as it hasn't been driven for a while and its seized...another person said it's leaking somewhere.

Just wondering what you guys think.

Thanks.

[burkey88]

Most likely the alternator isnt charging the battery. Have a check of the battery with a Voltmeter to make sure it has power.

The reading should be around 12v without ignition started and around 13v with ignition on.

[ProToZyKo]

Heh can't check that when car not starting ;)
Looks like the cable going from the battery to the alternator is loose, check that.

[burkey88]

Well i suggest he charges the battery, how hard can it be

There are only so many things to check in this situation, take the battery to get checked by halfords or some one who has the correct equipment, just to make sure you aint bought a duff battery, it can happen.

Check all the wiring leading from the alternator to the battery, clean the terminals.

Check the tightness of the belt.

Check the brushes inside the alternator are the same length and not worn down.

[BIGJO]

Hi guys...thanks for your input. It turns out it's definitely the alternator as it's making a buzzing noise when I put the ignition on.

Anyway, I'm looking to get a new one so it should solve the problem.

Thanks again