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[Migalot]

Late night trip to drop my daughter off. On the way there, I noticed that the idling speed was up around 850rpm (normally rock-solid 600). On the way back, nearing home, I noticed that, on acceleration away from traffic lights, the ABS and TC lights started to briefly flash on three occasions. Got home and parked up. Turned engine off then tried to restart and it has all the symptoms of a dead battery (only changed a few months ago). Also, took several goes to get the central locking to work.

Looks like I'll need to call to the AA in the morning. 

Any ideas as to the source of the fault?

EDIT: Just remembered that my new dash cam suddenly turned itself off earlier. Thinking voltage regulator? 

[Raeturbo]

Yes I agree, low battery will often make abs tc lights etc flash.

[Migalot]

Yes I agree, low battery will often make abs tc lights etc flash.

It was an AA-supplied and fitted battery only a few months back. Can't believe it's dead already.

[Raeturbo]

As you said earlier could be dodgy regulator or other problems with alternator perhaps.

[Bigron]

If you have a multimeter, there's an excellent "how-to" in the maintenance guides for checking he altenator. Follow it and report back.
I agree with Raeturbo; it certainly sounds like an alyernator fault.

Ron.

[Nick W]

Yes I agree, low battery will often make abs tc lights etc flash.

It was an AA-supplied and fitted battery only a few months back. Can't believe it's dead already.

It happens. But there are other explanations too, so some simple testing and informed diagnosis is required. Ruling out a fault with the battery is quick cheap and easy so ought to be done first. Assuming it's OK is easy, but has no other positive attributes.

[terry paget]

My money is on a failing alternator. If you have the kit, jump start the engine, then measure the voltage across the battery. It should be about 14.5 volts. If it's below 13 volts, you need a new alternator.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

More likely needs a new voltage regulator than a complete alternator. I paid less than £20 for one earlier this year.

[Raeturbo]

More likely needs a new voltage regulator than a complete alternator. I paid less than £20 for one earlier this year.

.   

                  Yes, or maybe diode set, most alternators are easy diy repair, but others can be quite complicated. Don’t have any experience with the Omega ones myself.

[biggriffin]

More likely needs a new voltage regulator than a complete alternator. I paid less than £20 for one earlier this year.

.   

                  Yes, or maybe diode set, most alternators are easy diy repair, but others can be quite complicated. Don’t have any experience with the Omega ones myself.

1hour job including a cuppa. This includes re-greasing auxiliary belt pulley.

[Migalot]

Thanks for all the input guys!

AA man arrived and confirmed that the alternator was not giving enough charge, so it's now in the garage for a new one.

Yes, I probably could have saved some money just changing the voltage regulator, but I have a heavy cold and didn't fancy working under the car in the rain at the roadside.

Sometimes, one just has to pay up...   
 

[terry paget]

I've just checked my Astra. Engine off, volts across battery 12.36 volts. Engine at idle 14.00 volts, with all lights on, rear screen heater and hazards on, 13.40 volts. Omega alternators put out 120 amps, ample to recharge the battery and support all services, vastly superior to dynamos. Trouble is I've known them failing, yet still putting out some volts and amps so that no warning lights come on, and the first the driver knows is when the battery is flat and cannot restart the engine, or when mysterious lights flash briefly.

Fifteen years ago my wife complained her Senator had the occasional flashing light. I took it for a decent test run to Cheddar, no faults, decided she was dreaming. On the way home a light flashed on briefly, I kept going, the engine stopped running 4 miles from home, and would not restart. I walked home and returned with a spare battery to collect the car. Still did not know what the fault was, but changed the alternator next, which cured the fault.

Jonny's Omega 2.2 failed similarly some years later. I swopped cars with him, drove his car home using a spare battery, and fitted a used alternator, curing the fault.

[Migalot]

All done. £220 + vat supplied and fitted. Not too bad considering London labour prices. 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Five minutes and £18 would have probably fixed it, and its done from above.  still as long as its sorted and your happy. 

[Jan Suhr]

There are a lot of cheap alternators out there from the spare parts stores.

I got the same problem on one of my old Omegas ( a 2.2 from 2001), bought a new alternator and it worked, but that one broke in less than three months. Went back to the store and got another one on warranty and it lasted until I scraped that car.

So keep the receipt if you buy a new one