Dashboard lights

[dannythomas752]

Hi,
Recently my red dashboard light has been coming on, it is the one underneath the picture of the battery, does anyone have any information on what this means, I have looked in the haynes manual and it says it indicates something to do with the alternator.

It mainly happens when its raining does this mean the alternator needs replacing or maybe the battery, the car starts fine everytime

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

[Mr Blue]

To me that sounds like a worn/loose alternator belt.

[dannythomas752]

I have replaced the alternator belt, but it may not be tight enough, it does squeal in the wet so maybe thats what it is?

[russ-vdub]

get a voltmeter and check the voltage on the battery whilst the engine is running. then carefully wiggle the positive connection on the alternator and see if the voltage changes. if so then you'll have to repair whats a fault. maybe the alternator or the wiring loom

[russ-vdub]

if it squeals then yeh you need to tighten the belt, and all corresponding bolts that allow adjustment of the alternator

[dannythomas752]

Cheers gents,
I'll get it looked at asap, looking a bit of a fool everytime it rains and my belt starts squealing like a pig in a hillbilly film
 

[russ-vdub]

yeh my belt went the other week, does make you feel like a right pikey hey!? funny to see the look on ppls faces tho

[DarnPB]

Before re-tensioning the belt, or should I say, whilst re-tensioning the belt, remove it completely and inspect it for stationary wear. ie, a section worn away through constant slipping. If worn, launch it and fit a new one.

[cняis]

it would be worthwhile removing the belt and taking some emery tape (or sand paper!) to the pulleys and get the shine off the grooves as this doesnt help!

[rubjonny]

I always set the tension to 5mm deflection at the longesty part.  You have to re-check every now & again after fitting a new belt since they stretch a bit!