Clio playing up again - non twingo but help needed.

[tommy89]

I would be really grateful if anyone if anyone can help with this.

My gf was driving the clio home tonight and she sent me a picture message of the battery warning light on.... The car itself didnt come with a book and I cant find a straight answer on the internet.

Are there any common faults that could be causing this to happen? The battery was new 1 year ago, and I checked it 6 months (ish) ago and was fine on the volts.

thanks if anyone knows anything to help

oh! the car is a t reg clio 1.2 - passed the mot about a month ago.

 

[Jjay]

Tried wiggling wires gently under seat?

 

[tommy89]

Tried wiggling wires gently under seat?

funny enough I did have that fault when we got the car - that set off the airbag light, so I took out the dodgy join and soldered the wire together

thank you for your idea though

 

[singlespeed]

The battery warning light usualy indicates that the battery isn't being charged. Normaly seen when starting the car, before the engine is running. The engine running should turn the alternator and charge the battery, and the light goes out...

Check the alternator is working-
With the engine off and the car not run for a while 1+hours, the battery voltage, across the battery terminals with a multimeter, should be about 12.2 - 12.5 volts

With the engine running at idle, the alternator will probably be charging, giving 12.7 - 13 volts

At a fast engine speed, and having the lights etc on, the voltage should be over 13volts, but shouldn't go above 14.5

 

[tommy89]

oo!! many thanks singlespeed I will head out to the clio armed with my volt meter and your knowledge! it started this morning but the battery light was still on - it has been parked up for about 2 hour snow i think

 

[tommy89]

Right - checked it out.

before starting the car the battery was 12.5 v
After starting the car and letting it idle for a while it was 12.1
fast idle - stayed at 12.1
turned the lights, blowers, heated window on - 11.5

sound knackered?
got a quote for £220 from a garage to replace it as I couldn't get one off in the scrap yard - not paying that!

ebay time!

 

[JMR]

I'll let you know how I get on with mine on Wednesday tommy.
Though I expect you'll want to have your done asap too (Mines a 182)

 

[tommy89]

Thank you I have ordered an alternator off ebay for 26 - tested and with a warranty.

Got a mate who will drop it in - I'll update too

 

[Jjay]

Alt is fairly easy to replace I think, sits right at the front next to exhaust mani, well mine did. Not a bad price for one really £26... Can't complain

 

[tommy89]

The bit I'm struggling with is how to loosen the belt to release the alternator... Is there some kind of bolt that will slacken it?

 

[Jjay]

Yes. If you look at the pully there is a bolt with a nut on it, loosen the nut, thinks its a 10mm, then loosen the bolt, tensioner will move up and down so you can release belt

 

[tommy89]

Thankyou agaain when the new alternator arives I will give it a go ..... Then get it towed to a garage when the cam belt plops off

 

[Jjay]

cambelt has cover you will be fine buddy, trace belt from alternator and you will be fine

 

[JMR]

Tommy, mine looks like battery problems mate, alternator hopefully ok.
I'm whipping battery out tomorrow and banging a new one in.

Good luck with your fitting mate

 

[tommy89]

further news on mine - the clio had to be used for work ... got there okay in the light. but then followed the gf home from work at 11 with the lights on, as soon as she put full beam on the back lights went very dim... then when she pulled in to the drive with the front lights looking very very dim.

seems to have reassured me that it is indeed the alternator as the battery was new last year.

Thank you for your advice Jjay - and good luck with your clio JMR.

new alternator due in the post tomorrow - haynes manual successfully found - clio keys??? at the gfs parents house along with her handbag! dam.

 

[JMR]

Tommy

Ive got a pdf version of the Clio Handbook (all versions) but its the Clio MkII facelift (ie, 182 shape Clio)
Is that 2001 - 2005 model?
PM me if you want it emailed

 

[tommy89]

ooo that would be very kind of you ! as im sure some of the bits of my twingo and the clio will be covered by it.

PM to follow