Has my alternator packed up?!

[10:45PM]

Also when making that test you'll have to bear in mind the car takes time to fully go to sleep after activity/operation.

Doors (for instance)not fully shut (or not operating fully/correctly/faulty) can stop the car (any modern car) going to full sleep (forever) which will drain more current than normal.

Also: The battery , despite being 'new' could be dodgy. You're gonna have to monitor stuff for a while , having a charger to hand in case... is it a good branded one?

Poor battery connections, or bad main earth braid/cable could cause problems.

Next time it's apparently dead, check the battery voltage (at the battery) , go through stuff methodically... and don't just suspect one thing in the chain .... because you'll almost certainly guess wrong

[tolsen]

I read battery goes from flat to good without you doing nothing. Perhaps time to clean, grease and refit battery terminals. Also worth considering changing auxiliary drive belt.

[marcusa]

OK thanks for suggestions, I will just monitor for a while I think. Think I will probably change belts anyway (squeal is back this morning)
FYI the battery is a BOSCH S4

Anyone know of any belt change tutorials?

[Thrumbleux]

Test # 2. With everything electrical switched off disconnect a battery lead and brush lead against battery post. Sparks indicate current draw.

I should have added a warning to exercise extreme care if attempting the above. Any spark can be enough to ignite any hydrogen issuing from a healthy battery (explosion risk). Ensure plenty ventilation and make contact on the outer sides of the battery post. If sparks present, proceed with ammeter.

[tolsen]

OK thanks for suggestions, I will just monitor for a while I think. Think I will probably change belts anyway (squeal is back this morning)
FYI the battery is a BOSCH S4

Anyone know of any belt change tutorials?

Do you find it hard to service battery terminals? In that case belt replacement is something you won't be able to tackle. You are not alone there though. Lots of owners, even professional mechanics struggle with that, especially getting belt tension right.
All to do with a general decline in skills which will become worse after Brexit.

[marcusa]

nice...........