I have recently had an electrical problem, which only occurs every three to four months, where I try to start the car and it attempts to turn over and the rev needle and speedo needle become erratic and move from there stationary position on zero anti-clockwise.

Luckily ther has been enough power in the battery to finally get it started, once turned off it is fine.

Anyway, researching on varius websites, the conclusion is the alternator not functioning correctly, I have fitted a new battery, but the indicator on the unit is not stating fully charge or ok.

Having looked at the alternator, Vauxhall have used external torx bolt heads, can anyone advise the size and socket I need to complete the job and other specialist tools I may need ?

Could it also be an earth fault?

Thanks for any advise you can give to me,

Nick

Welcome to the Forum.

A set of E Torx socket,s won,t be dear, and if you intend to repair this your self you will need a SET

KEV.

"If you dont KNOW how it works, don,t try to test or fix it"

     It may be worth a few simple checks with a volt meter before condemning the alt. Have you got a volt meter? If so check the voltage at the battery with then engine running (about 2000 rpm) and also at the alt, you will need to connect to the big terminal and the alt casing. BE CARFULL of rotating pulleys etc.  Repeat the tests with headlamps, heated rear window & fan switched on,post the results

Aidan

Definition of Experience :- `Something you get, when looking for something else.’  I think I'm getting to much experience nowadays

http://www.toolshopdirect.co.uk/handtool/product/WST173

Cheers Nick.

Battery with nothing on 12.5v

Started, engine at idle   13.5v

idle with everything on 12.7v

Revved the car at 2000rpm and the positive battery cable was that hot, turned everything off, it was frayed, so i bought a terminal clamp and relaced it

Now i get a steady reading of 14v when revved and turned everything on, no hot wires and when i switch the engine off the battery was reading 13v

Thanks for the help and advice,

Nick

Ray

sherv

R.M.S DIAGNOSTICS, auto electrical and air conditioning specialists

I drove the car today and I am now back at home, I took a reading, when every electrical item and engine where switched off, the reading was 13.1 volts, now,I believe this is not an accurate reading as it has current from the alternator, so, if I put a volt meter on the battery in the morning, will this be the accurate reading ?

Ray

PS. I think there was a good post on this forum a short while ago about battery charging