Jumpy start

[richje100]

Hi guys, merry Xmas all.
heres me problem,
for a week car would take ages to start when eventually did I could hear a knocking noise or a bang. The. One day driving home got outside my drive then the traction control light came on and the other orange one next to it, steering went heavy I couldn't turn then it died. Wouldn't start for about 15mins.
my neighbour came out to take a look and said the alternated isnt lose but then noticed the alt belt was very loose, said looks like the tensioner or its simply come off. He works part time at a garage so me t day he had it up on ramps, turns out it was a bracket that's got the tensioner bolted (also bolted to air con) has snapped. Put another on and car runs.
im still getting awfull starts in the morning but starts first time if I switch off then back. I'm wondering if its knackered the battery or something else?
anyone got any suggestions? I've got a volt meter but no idea where to start or what to look at.

[plasma]

gonna give us a clue which engine?

[richje100]

Derrr.... Sorry lol it's 54plate 2.0dti

[tony-1977]

Alternator by the sound of it.

[richje100]

Alternator by the sound of it.

Is there a way I can simply check?

[tony-1977]

Is there a way I can simply check?

With the car running, the voltage at the battery should be 14.0 - 14.5 volts

[richje100]

With the car running, the voltage at the battery should be 14.0 - 14.5 volts

Cheers, if its not could it be the battery or defo the alternator?

[tony-1977]

Cheers, if its not could it be the battery or defo the alternator?

99% alternator if low voltage with engine running.

[richje100]

99% alternator if low voltage with engine running.

Thank, if it is faulty are tey expensive to fix in garage?

[tony-1977]

Would be new alternator. There's a "How to" on here for swapping it