Rover 216 sli alternator?

[Scoboblio]

My daily runner didn't start today when I got back to it from work :(

Made the usual flat battery noises then died.... i could tell that the battery was on the way out becaue it made that really low chugging sound on start-up rather than a high pitched whine :)

I've replaced it and the car starts... but the battery warning light is permenantly lit on the dashboard (it was like this for a day before it didn't start, but I had to go to work so didn't really have a choice).

Does this sound like a knackered alternator? According to the service history it was only changed 9,000 miles ago! Is there any easy way to check if an alternator is dead?

Thanks in advance people :)

[Scoboblio]

Bump... someone must know how to spot a knackered alternator! ;)

I know it could be a dodgy connection etc, all I need to know for now is if it's completely dead.

[JustGav]

Quick check...

Put a multimeter onto the car battery and watch the voltage... When you start the car it should go up to arond 14.4 volts which is the voltage coming from the alternator, if you aren't seeing that, it is a good indication that either the alternator is shot or the regulator is shot either way, it is not charging the battery.

Gav

[Scoboblio]

Thanks very much, will give it a try when I get home :)

Hope it's not a new alternator, it'll be more than the car's worth :(

[Scoboblio]

Right, I've just done the test suggested and it doesn't look good..... about 12.5v from the battery with the engine off, and 12.3/4 when running :(

This goes down a little bit when the lights are switched on, but is stable when the car is revv'd.

Does this mean my alternator's dead?