Battery light on while driving - what does it mean?

[Ali101]

Obviously means there's something up with my battery, but never seen this before. The light comes on if I can't get it started, but it hasn't come on while I'm actually driving before. Had lights and radio on, turned radio off but no difference. It continued driving though without incident, started first time this morning.
Have stopped in a supermarket carpark and a bit nervous about what will (or won't) happen when I go to start up again!
Thank you for any replies.

[Aidan]

it may mean that your alternator isn't working, which maybe because the drive belt has snapped or because the voltage regulator has failed, if it's a wbx and the drive belt has snapped then don't drive it because the water pump is driven by the same belt and you will cook the engine, you should carry a spare belt
so check in the engine bay and see if there is drive to the alternator
post up what engine you have for a proper response

[Ali101]

Thank you very much for your reply.
I have a 1.9 l water-cooled petrol engine. I wouldn't know what to look for in the engine, perhaps an RAC job for me? Though it's not actually a break down as still going! I restarted after I posted and drove the last few minutes to work without the light coming back on.
I got a new starter motor 5 months ago and know the battery itself was fine then.
Actually I should be able to spot a drive belt, so if it's damaged I don't drive, but if it's not is it safe to drive 6 miles home to take it to regular garage?
(Just got a reply to my message from my husband, who gave his usual response "scrap it". )

[Dazco]

If it started fine and the light didn't come back on then drive to work or home..
At least you know the bulb is working .

[Aidan]

Ali glad you got to work okay. It could be a loose connection, maybe at the dash maybe at the alternator; sounds like you should get your husband if he is mechanically/electrically minded to check it over or get it to a 'man' who can, the auto electricians will be busy today bevcause of the cold but you mind find one who can take a look at it while you are at work
Drive belt is very obvious you should be able to see it through the small engine flap at the back but it doesn't sound like it is that as lamp should have stayed on after you restarted
safe home

[Ian Hulley]

Actually I should be able to spot a drive belt

Good morning, if you look through the cat flap you should be able to see the alternator drive belt.

General rule of thumb with the WBXer engine is ... Red Light Means STOP NOW . Red flashing lights and buzzer means STOP NOW Oh and that'll be about £1500 thank you

Cheers, Ian.

[irishkeet]

Ali pop your location in your profile there may be an 8090 member close to helpvor advise.
If you have a multimeter test the starter battery then start the van the voltage should rise telling you the alternator is charging the battery.

Irishkeet

[Ali101]

Ahh thanks for all the advice that is really helpful.
So I'll check for broken belt, and if not drive it home and get garage to look at it. Bet the light doesn't return and they can find nothing wrong! Either that or the £1500 bill mentioned...

Am in Edinburgh in case anyone sees me broken down on their way home

[Aidan]

pm Xris he's in Edinburgh and wbx sussed

[Ali101]

To update, garage put a new fanbelt on as old one was worn.
Drove ok for a few more days then light back on and it just wouldn't start back up again. RAC got it going enough for me to get it home / he said it was a new alternator needed.
So, that's the next thing!
Anyone rough idea what that costs to buy and fit? (I will not be doing it myself, sadly!)
At that fed-up-and-ready-to-sell point.

[R0B]

Have you tried replacing the regulator?

[jrt]

Like Rob says^^^ I've only had the battery light come on twice, once for dodgy wiring to the alternator and the other time for worn bushes on the regulator. Dead easy 5 min job to check and replace...and cheap.
David

[Ali101]

No, it could be that too couldn't it.
I just took it to the garage and asked them to fix it - hence them trying just the belt first I suppose!
Wonder why they (or the RAC) didn't suggest the regulator?
It won't start at all now so I'm limited in terms of the local garage!

Thanks for the advice.

[jrt]

A video to show you where it is situated. Can be removed without taking the alternator off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4msIecBNhM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If I remember correctly if the old bushes have worn down to 5mm then the regulator pack needs replacing.
David

[captain Byrne]

get your husband if he is mechanically/electrically minded to check it over or get it to a 'man' who can, the auto electricians will be busy today bevcause of the cold but you mind find one who can take a look at it while you are at work

Husband... Man? What is all this 1970's sexist dribble you speak of?