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[cem_devecioglu]

If a direct cable does seem to fix it, can i use the cable as a permenant solution?

yes.. I'm using for clit

ps be careful when connecting cables.. any spark can cook some electronics..

[peterm]

just like to say my wifes omge has been like this for  ages now and if any thing that has large curent drwa on wen slow runing or idaling but never had a problem with batter being flat ect
thgis could be somthing sill y thet the 2.2  do rahter than other models i can alo rmeber my old cav sports being like this when u upgraded to bsh alternaor from an ac and that was bentesed to find nothing rong

[Shallow Al]

 Had this happen to me this week. Turned the heated rear window on at night and the charging light glowed a bit.   Started pricing up alternators.
 Anyway, I had some time next morning to check voltages at the battery, using the excellent maintenance guide as previously mentioned. My voltages were all about 0.5V down in comparison, but the big give away was the positive terminal got hot with the engine running. Cleaned both terminals with wire wool and greased them. Seems to have cured it.
 Though now I have bragged about it.........time will tell.
 Hope it works out for you, plenty to check before parting with cash, as mentioned.

[Kevin Wood]

Had this happen to me this week. Turned the heated rear window on at night and the charging light glowed a bit.   Started pricing up alternators.
 Anyway, I had some time next morning to check voltages at the battery, using the excellent maintenance guide as previously mentioned. My voltages were all about 0.5V down in comparison, but the big give away was the positive terminal got hot with the engine running. Cleaned both terminals with wire wool and greased them. Seems to have cured it.
 Though now I have bragged about it.........time will tell.
 Hope it works out for you, plenty to check before parting with cash, as mentioned.

A common problem.

Normally it's where the large cable enters from the cable tray across the front of the engine. This connection is crimped, and I suspect vibration couple up the cable from the engine eventually loosens the crimped connection.

If it plays up again, get an auto electrician to re-make the crimped connection, or an easier solution might be to buy a battery terminal with screw connections and re-make it yourself.

Kevin

[bubble1973]

I haven't noticed the battery connection getting hot, will feel it today, but i did notice the jump lead connection that was on my battery positive was really hot when i took it off. The battery connection seems tight, but it doesnt have any grease on it, which grease should i use? Where is this thick cable you are taking about Kevin? Did you mean under the battery tray?

[Kevin Wood]

Did you mean under the battery tray?

No, it's the main thick wire into the battery positive terminal and comes from the alternator and starter motor. Runs in a plastic tray across the front of the engine and up to the battery terminal.

Kevin

[bubble1973]

Just checked after a 20 min drive and the positive battery terminal was boiling hot. I saw what you meant about that crimp, played about with it while holding the multimeter on the battery terminals and it didnt seem to alter the reading, but you can see a few strands in the cable snapped and there was a sticker wrapped around it that had melted. Think im going to try a new cable from the alternator directly to the battery, along with a new battery clamp, and see where i go from there. Is there any specific cable i need to get, or could i just find it in Halfords?

[Kevin Wood]

Ideally, see if there's enough length to chop the last few inches off the existing cable to discard the burnt bit and then fit a new battery terminal.

If not, you'll need the connectors for the other end of the cable as well, or just buy a new cable from Vauxhall.

Kevin

[Auto Addict]

Ideally, see if there's enough length to chop the last few inches off the existing cable to discard the burnt bit and then fit a new battery terminal.

If not, you'll need the connectors for the other end of the cable as well, or just buy a new cable from Vauxhall.

Kevin

I'd go for a new cable as it's a ptential fire risk.

[bubble1973]

Just looked on Halfords website and priced up a new battery terminal and cable for under a tenner so i think i'll give that a go. Many thanks for all the advice, and i will report back with hopefully a good result!

[Shallow Al]

Had this happen to me this week. Turned the heated rear window on at night and the charging light glowed a bit.   Started pricing up alternators.
 Anyway, I had some time next morning to check voltages at the battery, using the excellent maintenance guide as previously mentioned. My voltages were all about 0.5V down in comparison, but the big give away was the positive terminal got hot with the engine running. Cleaned both terminals with wire wool and greased them. Seems to have cured it.
 Though now I have bragged about it.........time will tell.
 Hope it works out for you, plenty to check before parting with cash, as mentioned.

A common problem.

Normally it's where the large cable enters from the cable tray across the front of the engine. This connection is crimped, and I suspect vibration couple up the cable from the engine eventually loosens the crimped connection.

If it plays up again, get an auto electrician to re-make the crimped connection, or an easier solution might be to buy a battery terminal with screw connections and re-make it yourself.

Kevin

Thanks for that Kevin.
 My terminal still is warm too, though no charging lamp on. Looks like a new cable and terminal would be safer for me too.

[bubble1973]

Just another quickie, somebody mentioned replacing the regulator in the alternator at a cost of approx £12. Where would i get one of these? Is it a vauxhall part or from the maker of the alternator?