Battery Warning Light

[megadodo]

It may have been mentioned already but ensure that the engine has both an earth to the chassis and to the battery and that the battery is also earthed to the chassis. Make sure the earthing cables are in good order and the connection are secure and clean. Assuming that this is the case, then your diagnosis on a faulty alternator is likely.

[Guest Jonnyround2003]

would the car not turn over if I had a bad earth ?

[megadodo]

The problem with bad earths (not a missing earth) Is that the current finds other ways to travel leading to "odd" things happening, one example of this is very common and involves tail lights working until the brakes are operated and both lights go dim, the tail light had been earthing through the brake light until the brakes were operated! I have seen engines turn over but not start before, rework the earths and not only do they turn over faster but they also start. When a current path is in adequate the resistance tends to increase which can drag the battery voltage down causing issues elsewhere. Another view point is that elimination of possible faults is a great diagnostic tool! I have worked with car electrics for 40 years now and the first thing I ever check is the earth for the circuit I'm checking, you may be surprised to hear that I would estimate at least 50% of faults I have dealt with (in old and modern cars) are earthing related.

[Guest Jonnyround2003]

Ok I will check all my earths i did change my front indicators and put in a fog switch before but the car stated fine after and ran so something could have happened since ! Cheers

[Guest Jonnyround2003]

Thanks for your help everyone the alternators definitely faulty ordered a new one !