Can any1 help every time i put any electrics on the battery dies on me how can i tell if its the battery or the alternator? when changing the belt on the alternator does the front section come of to get in at it? how hard a job is it to get in at the belts? thanks.

Jay

get a voltmeter and whack it on the battery with the car switched off. If the voltage is 12 to 12.5 volts then chances are the battery is ok. If its in the 11's then chances are its knackered. Start the car and measure the voltage again, should be around 14.4 volts, if its not, then it sounds like your alternator is buggered, although in all other cars i've has when the alternator is buggered the ignition/engine light has always come onwhile the engine was running.. not too sure about a zed.

...the ignition light does not always come on when the altenator fails. The failure can be instant so you don't get the faint glow of a failing altenator. The voltmeter check is the way to go. Replacement altenators are about £150 new and if you've the cash, buy new because its a bar steward of a job replacing the altenator. And if you buy 2nd hand, you run the risk that the 2nd hand unit is also knackered...

 

Good luck

 

Jack

Can any1 help every time i put any electrics on the battery dies on me how can i tell if its the battery or the alternator? when changing the belt on the alternator does the front section come of to get in at it? how hard a job is it to get in at the belts? thanks.

Jay

Hi jay seems I have just had the same problem,had to remove old alternator, from underneath car engine,remove shield then undo stablizer bar (4bolts) undo alternator(a bit tight for space) move radator pipework to side then lower alter, I also had to remove wiring from alter from blind side a bit fiddily. When fitting new alter I used super glue to stick main sercuring bolt tie nut at back hole as nearly imposs without doing It. Not a easy job, but do able with time