Ford Scorpio Forum - Print Page


    
      
        Ford Scorpio Forum
        (https://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl)
      

        General >> Problems >> Needles Death Dance/Alternator Changed
        
(Message started by: Fitzy on Aug 22^nd, 2005, 6:21pm)

Title: Needles Death Dance/Alternator Changed
Post by Fitzy on Aug 22^nd, 2005, 6:21pm

Hi guys,

Some of you may have read in another post that my alternator died on me without warning last Thursday. I fitted a new alternator at a cost of £115 on Friday. After the alternator gave up i managed to limp home using what was left in the battery, but now after fitting a new alternator and giving her a couple of good runs to put a charge back in the battery, i'm still getting the dreaded Needle Death Dance on start up.

I know this normally signals a dud battery but my battery is barely 18 months old so surely it can't be broken already. Could the failing alternator have damaged the battery in some way? Or does it just need a good charge off the car? The battery was completely flat after new alternator was fitted cos i needed to start her with a jump start power pack. There are no tell tale signs of a badly charged battery like the lights dimming and then glowing brighter when the engine is revved, they are a steady bright light now.

Any ideas?

Fitzy ;) ;D ;)

Title: Re: Needles Death Dance/Alternator Changed
Post by Snoopy on Aug 22^nd, 2005, 6:33pm

Hi Fitzy,
A copletely dead flat battery should be SLOW charged with a battery charger to bring it back to a state where it can be charged with the car alternator.
I would suggest removing and bench charging on a slow charge for 48hours.
this might reverse any damage that could have been caused by flattening it completely.

Its a slow chemical process thats why a slow charge is better and more reliable.

Title: Re: Needles Death Dance/Alternator Changed
Post by Simmo on Aug 22^nd, 2005, 7:51pm

Sorry to hear you've had problems again. Check your PMs. Regards,Simmo

Title: Re: Needles Death Dance/Alternator Changed
Post by Fitzy on Aug 22^nd, 2005, 10:23pm

Hi Simmo, Snoopy,

Thanks Snoopy, will get it charged up tommorow night. Once i'm finished repairing and replacing bits and bobs i'll end up with a new car, but hey ho nothing lasts forever eh. Hopfully i won't need to buy anything else for the old Scorpio for a while as i'm now officially
"SKINT".

Fitzy ;) ;D ;)