Alternator Problem or something else?

[Topjacket]

Hi All

The misses was driving the 55 plate CTR to work this morning, while sat in traffic the car stalled (just by itself ) the battery light stayed on and the car would not restart. She eventually managed to bump start it and it hasn't died since.

I have now tested the battery and it all seems ok until it's under load. (12.59 engine off, 14.28 engine idling, then all over the place when under load (heater on full, main beam, hazards) - went down to 0.05 I re-adjusted the wire terminals on the meter and it went up to 9.5 and then 10.12).

Could this only be the alternator or are there other things I could check first before replacing?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Chris.]

Start by replacing the battery and see how you get on. Cold weather usually shows up weaker batteries.

 

[Topjacket]

Thanks Chris

The battery is only 2 years old, do you still think it could be that? I'll defo have a go instead of the alternator if you think it could be.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Chris.]

Depends, if it's constantly being used for short journeys they it won't last as long for example.

 

[Topjacket]

Hello

Thanks Chris

I have just heard back from the garage and they have confirmed that the alternator is the cause of the problem. They have quoted £80 to fit a new one (which seemed a good price to me) and £150 for the part. Does anyone have a view on which alternator is best to go for? I can see the prices vary massively but dont know which brand is fitted as standard.

I dont know if I should go for an aftermarket or a reconditioned original part.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alternato...A05-31100RAAAA0-CSC29-LRA02354-/182904305093?

Any thoughts on this would be great.

Thanks for your help

Jim