Vitara alternator problems

zacspeed_2

I have a '94 1.6 8v Suzuki Vitara & last week, the battery light started flickering on. As sure as eggs is eggs, the following day she died on me (lights started dimming then engine died).
I managed to source a used alternator, had it fitted yesterday & all was well.
I went to pick the wife up last night & lo & behold - the bl**dy battery light was on again
Out I went with my spanners this morning, started her up & NO battery light?!?!?!? Ran her around the block & still no light. Turned all the lights on, radio, heater etc, still no light.
What are the chances of me getting 2 knackered alternators? Could it be the state of the battery that's causing the light to illuminate?
Any suggestions would be really appreciated, as I'm certainly no mechanic.

skiddy2k

zacspeed...due to your first knackered altenator, this could have taken life off the battery because the battery would never be charged at its optimum level and therefore loose life.

we can only assume that your battery was only recharged by e.g.3/4 and not fully, therefore your battery light came on. take your car down to halfords and they can check your battery free off charge which'll show you how many amps are in your car battery and how many amps there should be in the battery.

good for benchmarking the power of the battery.

to see if your alternator is dud, switch your car on and then disconnect the positive terminal on the battery carefully. if your car stays on, the alternator is good, if it cuts out, then there is a problem with the alternator.

hope this helps,
Skiddy,

zacspeed_2

Thanks Skiddy,
I went out this afternoon for about 30 miles & the light didn't come on at all (except when I started it obviously) - so I suppose it could point to a knackered battery. I'll give your suggestion a go tomorrow.

skiddy2k

yep, keep us posted.

Skiddy,

zacspeed_2

Turned out the second alternator was faulty. 3rd one sourced, now running ok