Battery Warning Light?

[Dundeesfinest]

Whilst driving home last night the battery warning light came on. Car continued to run fine so when I got home I made sure the connections were on tight and battery wasnt loose. Everything seemed in order. This morning the car started fine and the light stayed on for about 5 mins into my hour long journey before going off. 5 mins later it started to come on and go off for a min or so and now its on solid. Not being technically minded I checked the manual and it says battery is not taking a charge which would mean altenator? Another other thoughts? How long will the car last if the battery is not taking a charge? Dont want to be stuck in St Andrews come 5pm and home time.............

[BiggestNizzy]

Alternator sounds goosed check your getting 14v off it.

Also check the connections at the starter motor and the fusable link between the 2

[Shug]

And it's not gonna last long on pure battery - i just about managed back from Glasgow to Ayr one night and it was misfiring like buggery by the time I pulled up (but you can't really measure these things as you don't know how healthy your battery is, or if the Alt is doing anything - mine was doing something)

Long story short, you in the AA? Might find when you go back to it and it doesn't fire up.

[tut]

Up to 1.5 hours from fully charged if you do not use any electrics. The Ecu will cut out when voltage gets below 10v.

tut

ps:- in answer to Shug, this happened to me on the way back from the Ring with Robin, Ross etc. No charge at all, peeing down so could not use the wipers, drove in the middle so no indicators, got about an 1.20 in before stopping for coffee and a 20-40min charge from Ross. Robin will remember better than me.

[Dundeesfinest]

Thanks for the reply guys. I am in the AA with parts and labour. How easy a job is the altenator? The battery itself has only been in about 3 months so should have an ok charge in it.

[Shug]

Relatively simple few bolts from the r/h wheelarch with some jiggling. Take a couple of hours from jacking the car at a first attempt if nothing is seized or broken.

[Dundeesfinest]

Thanks for the advice guys. Ive just bought a battery charger and fresh leads in case it wont start tonight. Once its back I will leave it till the weekend and see whats I can do.