Red Light on Dash

[jstride]

Hi,

 

Only had my car a few months. Came to fire her up this morning and the little red light on the instrument cluster stayed on and wouldn't go out. What does that mean!

 

Thanks

 

Jake

[Sheds Moderator]

Dead alternator resulting in a flat bettery by the looks of it. Recharge and jump start, and then try.

 

BTW does the engine turn at all? There are 2 red lights - one is oil pressure, one alternator. Both come on at first and then go out as things stabilise when the engine starts.

[Big Brother]

It means that either the battery or the output from the alternator very low.

 

99 times out of 100, it will be the alternator.

Check the plug has not come adrift on the back of the alternator.

Aslo check that you still have a fan belt.

 

Finally, put a multimeter across your battery.

You should see around 12V for a healthy battery with the engine off.

With the car running you should see around 14.4 volts across the battery.

 

 

 

Steve

 

 

SE7EN-UP!

-----_{If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.}

-----

 

[Graham Perry]

And with the engine running if you don't see approx 13.8-14.4v across the battery then there is a problem with the alternator. You could also just check the alternator drive belt to make sure it hasn't dropped off somewhere 😳

[jstride]

I replaced the battery weekend before last so that is fine - the engine turns over and then cuts out (in the same way it does if you haven't turned off the immobiliser - which I have!). From memory I think it is the third light of the three (I was in a bit of a hurry this morning) but will check that out later.

[Frying Pan]

Are you sure it is not the immobliser light (single LED in the dash) - if this stays on the car will not start. Click either button on the keyfob 4-5 times, then the unlock button, and it should be OK

 

-----See some pictures of the build here. 13000 miles completed!

[Mick Day]

I replaced the battery weekend before last so that is fine

This may be the clue that leads to a duff alternator. As said before test the voltage with a voltmeter across the battery with the engine running. Should be 13.8 to 14.4v. If not then the alternator is US. Can be rebuilt.

 

The battery? Well often if the alternator isn't charging properly the battery will cycle between partial charge & no charge. In essence the battery dies & it needs replacing. However the alternator is the root cause & needs some attention.