Flashing alternator warning light

[costa]

In the last couple of days my alternator warning light ( one with the battery ideogram) has started to flash but only when I am going up a fairly steephill. Ok going on the flat, down hills and at speed on the motorway. Checked belt for any slack etc and appears OK. No other symptoms. Have looked on the site and although there is a thread on this subject it does not cover this . Any ideas please?

 

[olliep]

all i could suggest, from a very similar experience was the auxilary drive belt has started to go, mine looked fine aswell. Not sure if it was the belt that caused this but it also transpired that my alternater was nackered aswell. only providing a trickle of power.

 

[LEE69]

Mine started flashing on acceleration, new alternator was needed, mine was so knackered.

 

[DPJ]

Mine did this because the clutch on the alternator failed.

 

[costa]

Thanks guys. I think it looks as though it is the alternator. I think I will see how it goes it will either get worse or it won't. No doubt the dealer will charge me a fortune just to tell me I need a new alternator. Any idea how much a new alternator will cost me?

 

[DPJ]

I bought a second hand alternator for £80 and then got mine repaired.

 

[LEE69]

Thanks guys. I think it looks as though it is the alternator. I think I will see how it goes it will either get worse or it won't. No doubt the dealer will charge me a fortune just to tell me I need a new alternator. Any idea how much a new alternator will cost me?

You might get lucky if mine could have been repaired he quoted me £50 obviously depending on what he found.
I had to get a new/re-coned one, £130 it cost.
Do shop around though the prices vary massively i found.

 

[Markyboyt]

If your after used parts i've always found partsgateway to be very useful, havent checked if they do Seat but i'd guess they do. Its free to use and they send your request to breakers who specialise in the brand you have selected and they contact you if they have one, with a price and details such as postage and warranty period.

Sorry if this sounds like an advert, its not and i'm no way linked to parts gateway or the companies it uses, I have just used it in the past and found it very useful.

 

[LEE69]

Our 120A one is used on the diesels too, so loads of scope for finding one

 

[costa]

Thanks to you all for your help and advice on this. A strange problem as the light only flashes as I go up hills. Very weird!

 

[olliep]

Thanks to you all for your help and advice on this. A strange problem as the light only flashes as I go up hills. Very weird!

i seem to remember mine did the hill thing a bit cause it was working itself harder. but then maybe its just a dodgy contact?

 

[costa]

Thanks , I think I will just wait and see what happens but certainly a strange one. Not keen to rush out and spend money if I don't have to.

 

[LEE69]

Get it tested see if it is charging OK, when it goes it will drain the battery and you'll lose throttle (if fly by wire)
ATS Or Kwik Fit or a mate with a multi -meter can confirm it.

 

[costa]

Lee69 good advice - thank you.