Suspicious...or just coincidence?

**Eric_S** · 28th February 2007, 20:34

Yesterday and today, going to and from work (only one and a half miles each way....should have walked!) the dreaded spanner light came on along with the alternator (battery) light, each time after about two minutes of driving. Still seemed to be running OK though. Switched off then restarted and completed the short journey without a problem. The scary thing is that the car is three years old tomorrow! Phoned the garage who logged the call for today so within warranty but can't look at it until Monday!
So, is there a pre-programmed 'third birthday fault' that's kicked in a couple of days too soon (cynical?...me??) - has anyone else experienced this?
(It's a 2.2DTi, by the way, so shouldn't be related to the present unleaded petrol scare.)
Eric

**Harry** · 28th February 2007, 20:39

no such thing as a coincidence when it comes to vauxhalls.

good thing you called it in today - at least it should've logged a fault code which they can identify.

**Green Growler** · 28th February 2007, 20:58

First thing I would check on that engine is the top boost hoses, particularly the one going over the top of the engine (under the plastic cover) from the turbo to the intercooler.
These are well known for going pop unless you have a modified one already fitted.
Make sure you check underneath it as well, they split in the most awkward place.

That wouldn't effect the alternator light though

**henocsr** · 3rd March 2007, 13:45

alternator could be over charging, had it on a couple of 1.7 diesel astra G's brings the spanner on due to the higher than normal voltage and the alterantor light due to the charging system fault

**veccy22** · 3rd March 2007, 14:35

my first vec did that ! but it was only a 1.8 , it turned out to be dirty contacts on the back of the ignition !

**Eric_S** · 3rd March 2007, 17:16

Looks like it could be just the opposite to overcharging - had a look under the bonnet and it looks like the drive belt has jumped off a pulley or split or.........because it's incredibly slack on the alternator pulley (the only one I could check at the time). Anyway, managed to nurse it to the dealers with just one stop to let the water temperature drop a little and I'll wait to see what they say on Monday.
How on earth did I ever think there could be anything suspicious about this?

**VauxVeteran** · 3rd March 2007, 17:41

I'd get a new belt on before you take it to Vx, if it's only the drivebelt it's gonna cost you £100 for diagnosis and repair.

It wont be warrented. hth

**Gsi3.2** · 3rd March 2007, 17:56

Why won't it be covered VV?...

if it's a belt failure then they may try and wriggle under wear and tear..but if it's not scheduled to be replaced yet, then i'd fight them over it..

even more so, if it's a broken pulley rather than a bust belt..as another member had on here..

**yorkshireborn** · 3rd March 2007, 18:05

if booked b4 the warranty runs out it will be still covered even if they cant see to it till after it has expired

**VauxVeteran** · 3rd March 2007, 18:08

Originally Posted by Gsi3.2

Why won't it be covered VV?...

if it's a belt failure then they may try and wriggle under wear and tear..but if it's not scheduled to be replaced yet, then i'd fight them over it..

even more so, if it's a broken pulley rather than a bust belt..as another member had on here..

Just trying to save someone some money Mark, I couldn't get a pair of rear shocks done on warrenty so I can't see em giving it up on a 3 yr old rubber belt, as you say if it's a pully then things will be ok, but better to establish if it's the belt or not before getting a £55 bill to say so.