Electrical Problem? Advice needed.

[nw1456]

Hi all

Just got home after an evening out. On the way back I noticed the ignition light was on, everything seemed ok though. Dropped a friend off round the corner and noticed the steering was a bit stiff, 10 seconds later, no power steering at all! Engine still running. Backed into the driveway (hard work) all the warning lights started coming on, radio went off, dash lights went off and when I turned the steering the headlights went very dim.
Turned the car off and waited a bit, car wouldn't start, sounded like a flat battery. (turns out it wasn't)
Lifted the bonnet and scratched head for a few minutes, couldn't see anything wrong. Tried to start it and it turned over and started like nothing had happened!! no warning lights, steering was ok.

Any ideas? Vectra C 1.8, 07 Engine is Z18XER

Thanks

[nw1456]

Sorry, I think this is in the wrong place, could somebody please move it to where it should be.
Thank you

[Chunklamb]

I'm going to say a dying alternator...

By ignition light, which light do you mean? Could it have been the battery light?

[nw1456]

Just checked the handbook and it says "alternator" (red light with a battery symbol) it comes on and goes off when the engine starts. Assumed it was the same thing. I can't get my head around why it would have all those problems, and be working perfectly now if the alternator was faulty? But then again, I know ****** all about car electrics!

I'll have to get it checked, but not a good time of year to get it looked at!

[Saf_789]

Ive just had the exact same issue but mine isnt starting again, battery completely dead. Have u fitted a hid lights kit recently?

[nw1456]

No I haven't fitted anything at all, car is completely stock. I'll call the local dealer this morning and see what they have to say. The more I think about it, the odder it seems, would almost have been better if it hadn't started again as normal.

[Hue Jarse]

It sounds as though it could be an alternator problem but the first thing I'd check would be the battery and alternator connections for tightness.

[Chunklamb]

It sounds as though it could be an alternator problem but the first thing I'd check would be the battery and alternator connections for tightness.

Ditto.

And check the battery voltage after its been standing overnight... then check again as its started.... and then whilst its running...

Should be above 12 before you crank it, drop slightly below that as you start the car and around 14. something when its running.

[nw1456]

I'd all ready started the car which fired up instantly. Without the engine running it was over 13v and with the engine running it was 14.9v

Just took it for a short trip (16 miles), no problems at all, I even tried stressing the electrics, max blower, rear screen, headlights etc, all on at the same time.

I've got it booked in for a check on 3rd Jan. Hope it's not the alternator... they look expensive!

The battery terminals are fine, didn't check the alternator, it's a bit hard to get at, could do with a dryer day really.

[nw1456]

Took the car in today, I didn't bother to leave it as they just said they would check the voltage with a meter and check the cables. I've all ready done all that, so no point. They did quote me for a recon unit fitted for....... £425!!! Nearly fell out of my chair.

My local garage, who I've used before want £207, that's a brand new unit with a 12 month warranty, fitted. Think I might go with that, although there hasn't been other problems since that first time. Just a bit nervous of it happening again 100s of miles away.

Should I change it or not? What do you think?