ST24 electrics

[Kevin Hackett]

Hi guys,

apologies in advance if this subject has been done to death already. I have a 97 P-reg ST24 with 68k miles. Last week the battery light started flashing intermitently and then remained constantly on. During its MOT this week I asked the garage to investigate and they charged the battery before putting it on the ramps, after which they say the light remained off. Picked it up yesterday and the battery light was indeed off. Went to drive it last night and it was on again, albeit a faint glow.

Is the alternator on its way out? If so, what's involved in getting to it?

Could the battery be duff?

Any help would be appreciated as the garage is reluctant to replace the alternator, saying it's a ridiculously expensive job.

Thanks guys

[Podie]

If the battery light is coming on, then the alternator is probably on its way out I'm afraid.

The V6's suffer from heat soak, so 68k from an alternator is about right to be honest. If it's coming on before 4000rpm then you need to change it pronto...

The job is a bit of a sod, so don't bother getting a cheap-o second hand unit - make sure you get a new one.

Edited by Podie on Thursday 19th October 12:36

[Kevin Hackett]

Thanks Podie, although it's not good news. What a ridiculous design fault, though. The ST replaced my previous banger, which was a 5-series BMW that I racked up over 220,000 miles with. And even then it was only because I was bored with it. That car was still on its original alternator, clutch etc, with the only items ever needing replacement being the suspension bushes once a year.

I think I'll go back to German cars. Shame.

[Podie]

Kevin Hackett said:

Thanks Podie, although it's not good news. What a ridiculous design fault, though. The ST replaced my previous banger, which was a 5-series BMW that I racked up over 220,000 miles with. And even then it was only because I was bored with it. That car was still on its original alternator, clutch etc, with the only items ever needing replacement being the suspension bushes once a year.

I think I'll go back to German cars. Shame.

When it's replaced, get it shielded from the heat and it'll be good for at least 100k from what I've been told.

Starter motors are also known to suffer the same fate on the V6's - but not as common as the alternators.

[supersport]

Kevin Hackett said:

Thanks Podie, although it's not good news. What a ridiculous design fault, though. The ST replaced my previous banger, which was a 5-series BMW that I racked up over 220,000 miles with. And even then it was only because I was bored with it. That car was still on its original alternator, clutch etc, with the only items ever needing replacement being the suspension bushes once a year.

I think I'll go back to German cars. Shame.

They are not all crap, mine has 122,000 on it, the only thing changed so far, other than tyres, exhaust and brakes is the front springs + suspension arm bushes. See no reason for it to keep going.

So your that Kevin Hackett, you've done some nice articles in T911.

Edited by supersport on Monday 23 October 18:18

[peaktorque]

My V6 Mondeo has done 125,000 miles on its orginal alternator. I have probably asking for trouble now though! I have heard that the swap isn,t actually that bad a job if you know how.

[Zad]

Just a note to say that it *may* be the battery rather than the alternator. When all is said and done, it is 9 years old and, whilst modern batteries are much improved from the 1970s and 1980s items, they do get old and fail.

[ed400]

Get the wiring to the alternator checked, i've heard stories of the connector and associated wiring going after a while (the whole heat soak problem). Just a thought.