Hello,
I'd really appreciate the advice of the experts on here with this...


First of all, I have a 54 plate 2.0D X-type and to be honest, I think its brilliant. Fantastic value for what I paid for it.


The issue, tonight on my way home (~40 motorway miles) I noticed the cabin fan stop momentarily and then restart. It then did it again a few moments later and there was flash of the battery light before normality resumed. Both times it happened was when I came to a stop in traffic.


It did it a couple times again during the journey. I was a bit worried it was going to cut out in the rush hour traffic but it was fine!


I am a bit worried an issue is showing its face. Thoughts?


Possibly related: I have noticed for a while that the power steering is slightly inconsistent. It can be nice and light and sometimes a little heavier/rougher.


Can it all be linked? Maybe a sick alternator?


Thanks in advance

 

Battery first old boy, battery first.

Jim

 

Less of the old you, I'm only 33

 

Ok, whilst you are checking/charging the battery also check the tightness of the main ground points.

Once that is done, start the car and with a multimeter, check the output of the alternator at the battery terminals. Should be around 14.1v.

If you have a code reader it would also be worth seeing if you have any codes logged.

Hope this helps you out young'n.

Jim

 

Does this battery cable look as you'd expect it to?

 

Looks a bit corroded to me.

Disconnect the negative first then the positive. Clean them thoroughly and the terminal posts. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or Vaseline and refit, positive first and then negative.

Before you do this make sure you have your radio code and remember to reset any memory functions you have and the windows.

Jim

 

Cheers Jim, I'll have a look at that tomorrow!


FWIW I just fired it up, no drama at all. Turned on everything I could and didn't pull down the revs or dim the lights.

 

Good, hope it is nothing more than a dirty/loose connection.

Jim