[Zellig]

Hello folks,

Only had my GT for six weeks and had the bonnet up too many times to be frank, but I love the car!
Just had the slave and master cylinder changed as the pedal was on the floor after week 4.
The battery warning light has been coming recently and inevitably it didn't start one morning. The battery was the original and the local garage checked the alternator was charging ok so I changed the battery. Another week another flat battery. Any suggestions??

Thanks in advance

 

[Tommywho156]

Are the brake lights dimly illuminated when the car is parked (keys out, car locked)?

 

[zulu ferret]

Check for a parasitic drain on the battery? No more than 50mA should be evident.

 

[Rockhopper]

The GT shares the same electrical issues as the 147 (they both have CANBUS) so an unknown current drain is usually a faulty body computer I'm afraid (unless the boot light is staying on or the stereo is not turning off etc)

 

[Zellig]

No, but Ive been told I need to go to Specsavers.

 

[Zellig]

So what should I be asking my local garage to check? And how much should this check cost?? Thanks

 

[Rockhopper]

Don't ask them to check anything. Tell them whats wrong and ask them to fix it. If you try and guide them and you turn out to be wrong then they can justifiably bill you for their time and parts.

 

[zulu ferret]

What RH said.

Let them loose with their own diagnostics. :

 

[Dickymint_156]

With anything like that I'd be tempted to go to a Alfa specialist they would already know the most likely problems and it may save you cash in the long run

 

[sprint_veloce]

What Rockhopper said, except tell them what's wrong and ask them to check it out and give you a PRICE to fix it. If you're happy with their quote then get them to go ahead, or you might want to get a comparison from somewhere else.

 

[gerryd]

when the car is running on idle, does your windows seem to open/close slower than usual by any chance?

 

[Zellig]

I'll check that and let you know.

 

[gibot123]

Silly but on my 147 the vanity mirror light was not going off which if you haven't used the sun visor you won't notice check both are going off when you close the mirror covers

 

[Willber G]

I was suffering constant drains untill the AA man who came to change my battery when I was stranded traced the problem to a dodgy boot-light switch which was not disengaging. No problems since.

 

[Zellig]

Went to Brighton for the weekend. Had a spirited drive as you guys would call it between Lewes and Rottingdean, the battery message came on along with something saying VDU and abs not available. Pulled over in lay-by and switched off. Didn't restart! RAC came out and said said probably alternator as his test showed not charging. Probably cause of intermittent battery drain and not a roadside fix so called our recovery truck. Be good to hear your comments and suggestions.

 

[sakzzz]

ABS , VDU errors random clicking noises would always show up with a dead battery.

 

[Zellig]

Update, quoted £275 for new alternator including fitting. Only bought the car in May and the 3 month warranty covers nothing with a vowel in it. Quoted £29 a month for aftermarket warranty that covers everything (AA)

 

[Tommywho156]

If you bought it from a dealer he may be partially responsible for sorting it as the vehicle must be of reasonable standard and fit for purpose, regardless of warranty.
Most/all aftermarket warranties on cars above 50k aren't worth the paper they're written on.

 

[gibot123]

Is it a petrol or jtd if petrol 4 or 6 cyl?

 

[Rockhopper]

In post one you say that the alternator was tested and is charging okay.. I think i'd be investigating further before i start changing it.