My car, a W (2000) 2000 AWD Turbo, popped a 15A fuse yesterday lunchtime.

It was the 2nd fuse from the right on the board by the drivers right knee.

It killed all the instruments, but the radio, wipers and lights worked ok.

I replaced the fuse and started my journey home from Catterick to Greenock.

The fuse popped again on the M74.

After a little while the wipers started slowing, the radio cut in and out, the lights dimmed and it then started misfiring before cutting out completley near Moffat.

Thank god for the AA.
My diagnosis is that the alternator windings have shorted, therefore no longer charging the battery.

2 questions.

Is it the alternator?

and

Is it tricky to change?

Cheers

 

Defo not tricky to change, it's right at the top front of the engine, and all bolts are reachable. Even the belt tensioner is a bolt, so you can mark where it was before slacking it, then put it back.

I'd have it looked at before changing it: they aren't cheap

Alcazar

 

The battery was not being charged at all, once the fuse had blown.

And from tracing the 2 pin plug off the top of the alternator to the battery there isnt anything else it can be. Surely?

Got the new alternator for 163 quid, and it arrives tomorrow.

Thanks for the tip regarding the belt tensioner.

I`ll let you know how I get on.

cheers