Strange Noise, Battery Light, and Spare Parts

[Salt]

Hello all, I have a Seat Ibiza S 1.4, W-reg, and I have a couple of issues with it which I wanted to run by you guys before I go and get fleeced by a service centre.

- There is a strange noise coming from the engine after I have been driving for about 1/2 hour. It only happens in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears and it's a kind of whinny or squeal. Is this most likely the fan belt, or is it a symptom of a more expensive problem?

- My battery died this morning and I had it replaced on the way home. Later on I noticed that the battery warning light is still illuminated when I am driving. Does that need to be reset like the infamous "service" lcd message, or do I need to be heading straight back to the garage?

- External temperature. Have already searched the forum and found out that I need to replace the temp probe on the wing mirror. Anyone know where I can get this part?

 

[Salt]

Oh yes... another odd problem. When my car has been running and the engine is hot, the bonnet will not close. I think the metal is expanding and making the catch stick. Is this a common problem with Ibizas ~2000?

 

[Salt]

Well, turns out the battery light means "your alternator has died". If only I had a user manual!

Rather disappointed that the mechanic who changed my battery did not catch this and check the alternator, as my car died on a roundabout yesterday and I had to roll off it at about 3mph without any power, not even hazard lights. So that was fun.

Car is in the garage now and I am waiting to find out which of the four alternators costing between £150 and £230 fits my engine. Obviously it will be the expensive one because it's nearly Christmas

I'm hoping the whiny noise was coming from the alternator, so at least two birds will be killed with the one stone.

 

[ian_cupra]

yeah sounds like alternator has given up, prob was the noise too, sorry didnt notice this thread earlier, or would have said battery light means the battery aint charging, usually alternator

 

[Salt]

Meh, still would have needed a new alternator even if you saw the thread!

I just hope they do me a deal at the garage seeing as they charged me £45 for a battery and it didn't occur to them to check the alternator. Grrr.

 

[ian_cupra]

hope so. bunch of muppets by the sounds of things

 

[Salt]

£195

Santa is going to be a mean b****** this year.

 

[ian_cupra]

ouch, none at any scrappies?

 

[Salt]

Didn't have the luxury of time for checking tbh