Multiple problems with my 92 vp wagon

[TimWalton]

Hi all, I'm new to the forums and I thought I'd ask around here to see if I can get help with some of the many problems I am having with my car at the moment.
Recently, the battery/alternator light has come on and stayed on and I have had two batteries now completely drained, so I'm pretty sure I have a rooted alternator. Also, the other night as I was driving home, the lights (headlights and instrument lights) cut out for no apparent reason, I hadn't accidentally turned them off either, and the radio started flickering on and off. Thankfully this was very close to home so I pulled up and put it in Park. At that point it revved up to 1 1/2 and stayed there and no matter how hard I revved it to try and get it back down again it would always go back to 1 1/2.
The next morning when I went out to see if it would start, it didn't, acting like the battery was dead.
I am only 17 and have had the car for just over a year and a half so I don't have much experience with VP's and their faults so if ANYONE has had this stuff happen before I would appreciate any help

Cheers
Tim

[Dum*P*ster]

Alternator defiantly sounds likes its crapped out.. but,

Try this.. Its a How To to check your cars ECU (Computer) and normally will tell you if its picked up any faults. Checking your Computer for Faults (VN - VP)

You should also, check your Spark Plugs and leads, they may be old..and need replacing.. they help to idle the car, and more .. etc..

good luck, tell us how ya go !

[TimWalton]

Thanks mate,
Yeah I had a look at that article and I'm planning on doing that tomorrow. I'll follow your advice and check the spark plugs and leads, it didn't even cross my mind to check those!
I'll keep you posted on it

[Shearer]

Recently, the battery/alternator light has come on and stayed on and I have had two batteries now completely drained, so I'm pretty sure I have a rooted alternator
Tim

By the sounds of it, the alternator isn't charging properly, therefore may be time for a new one.

[Krisp]

where in australia are you, if your in wa i have a couple kicking around

[TimWalton]

I got a quote from my nearest auto electrician for a new alternator and it was $230 :O that's gonna suck.
And Krisp, I'm in NSW. Would you be willing to post one over? And how much are you asking for one?

[ConMan_VP]

try Ebay mate some cheap new ones on there!!

[Krisp]

alot of cases its just the brushes being too worn. have a look at where the loom plugs into it. unscrew it and see how much meat you have on the brushes

[toranamike]

Hi Tim,yes it sounds like an alternator problem.If you remove it yourself,disconnect the battery ,negative lead first,before removing alternator. mike.

[TimWalton]

Hi all,
The wagon is now alive and kicking with a brand spanking new alternator doing its thing under the bonnet. Thanks to everyone for advice/help, 'twas much appreciated
(The auto electrician was a prick though :S )
See you later
Tim

[PUSHIN]

glad to hear your problem is solved, honestly; i'd of baught a second hand alternator (well, i actually did..) i got a similiar qoute for a new one, but went and spent $80 on a second handie instead, haven't had an issue since. Are you still having the issue with your electrics? i used to have a similiar problem, as i was driving along, the car would occasionally cut out all electrics, then they'd come back on, then back off.. was VERY confusing lol.. it turned out to be an earth wire, went about bought one for about $20, was about 5 times thicker, and i've secured it bloody well, won't be having that issue again.. good luck with it mate!

[TimWalton]

went and spent $80 on a second handie

I was thinking of doing that at first, but I'd rather have a brand new one that I know will last me for ages than get a second hand one that might break fairly quickly. You seem to have gotten lucky with yours but I didn't really want to take that risk, I wouldn't be able to afford to replace it AGAIN. And as to the issue with the electrics, they're fine now. Everything seems to have cleared up when the new alternator was put in...odd. But anyway, it's all good now and I'm happy
Cheers
Tim