Alternator woes

[Phillphill]

Ok driving along today and my check alternator light and alarm came on
Then went off a few minutes later and seemed fine.
Then later drove a bit further and it came on again and stayed on

I checked with a Volt meter the battery which showed 12.7 with the engine off and 11 with the engine running
So clearly the alternator isn't charging.

I then checked the earth strap gave it a wiggle and checked the connections, let the car cool and all seemed fine once again. I didn't check the charge with a meter but the dash gauge (I know not to be trusted) showed 13v.

Took for a test drive and all was fine, stopped for 30 minutes then drove back and the check light came on again followed by the dash completely going dead apart from every single warning message showing!

The car was still driving what seemed to be fine.
Limped it home and popped the bonnet, smelt a little warm but nothing untoward

Started it up again and this time the bolt gauge climbed to about 15v then the dash and gauges died again
So I shut it off and walked away frustrated

My car is a 55 6.0 VXR. The alternator was fitted last July so luckily it has a years warranty to replace it, but with this whole dash issue is there something else I am missing, is this common symptoms of the alternator?

Where it was fitted by the previous owner at a chain garage I don't want it to be something else and stung with a fk off huge bill!

[stevieturbo]

Dead battery ( or running at low voltage ) will cause all sort of mischief....and dead because alternator isnt charging

Dont keep trying to drive the car, get the alternator fixed, charge the battery and all will be well.

[SteveMJ]

This looks very similar to the symptoms I had with my VXR8 recently - new alternator and battery. I wanted to avoid all this cost, but could not :-(

[Phillphill]

I dont mind if its simply the alternator, where its only 8 months old it (should) have a warranty still and be replaced, just the dash dying on me was a little odd and didnt know if it was a typical symptom.

I do need to get under the car and check the earth wire, as if it goes in for warranty and its not the alternator but some other electrical gremlin im sure to get charge a bill!
Also frustrating it has to go to a service sure autocentre rather then a garage of my chosing....

[Topcat6.0]

Hi, I had the same problem. Mines an 05 VXR and the traction control came on and the dash went dead. Only did it when starting up and driving for a mile or two
then everything came on and was fine. Turned out to be the alternator overcharging. Bought a new one and its all good now. Hope that helps.

[Phillphill]

Thank you, yes very similar plus may explain why the gauge went very high before everything died!