My car's running out of electricity and its fucking annoying and embarrassing.Wipers going slower than usual and the starter motor struggles to start it(if it actually does!)! I know it will probs be alternator or battery but is there a way to narrow it down without a multi-meter? I'm at my mums and I dunno if it'll get me home. I've checked the alternator belt. There's no play in is and its spinning the alternator.

Cheers

James,
to test if the alternator is receiving an excitation voltage, switch the ignition on without starting the engine, then watch as you disconnect the blade connector on the back of the alternator.
There'll be no harm done in repeating the test if you're not sure what's happened the first time of trying.

If there's no sign of a spark, it means that either the voltage regulator isn't working or the alternator brushes are worn down and not making contact with the slip ring any more.
Both of those faults would mean there'll be no charge coming out of the alternator.

Unfortunately, that's about all you can test without a multimeter or voltmeter to hand.

ken

Cheers Ken, will go and try it now!

Ok there's a spark at the back of the alternator. Reckon its fine for a new battery then?

I was going to suggest the fuse that the charging system goes through, however its the same as wipers indicators and choke light so if there all ok cant be that

James,
the next step would have been to check the voltage at the battery with the engine running, including at higher rpm.
Sometimes, if the brushes are 'almost' worn out, there'll be a charge at lower rpm but none at higher rpm.
I wouldn't condemn your battery just yet, most of them seem to last at least 3 years nowadays.

Ken
p.s. Get hold of a voltmeter for the dash, even one of these will work OK and I've fitted them to quite a few 2CVs.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROLSON-LED-BA ... 2967wt_902

Ok ordered a new regulator and some brushes. Volt meter - been meaning to fit one for ages. Probably a good idea Anyway I'll just use it 'til it breaks down. Its mainly starting that's the problem. Anyway I'm on 123 so I'm sure I'll know when its finally dead. Its running normally when actually being driven atm .

Why'd you order a new reg?

Because even if it ain't that its fucked. the cover was held on by tape and its deffo not water proof

A rough guide to whether it's the battery or alternator/regulator for most cars is to check brightness of headlamps with engine off, fire up t'engine, turn the headlamps back on and watch what happens as the car is revved; headlamps brightening to full with engine on fast tick-over suggests alternator is ok and it's the battery wot's not holding charge.

If the battery is a bit flat to begin with, the headlamps should show an obvious change in brightness when engine is run. However, if the battery is fully charged before this check, then the headlamps will already be a fullish brightness, so results not so obvious.