I have had my 2004 for about 3 years and put 100K on top of the 80K it had when I bought it
Recently (3mos ago) the charging light came on I checked the regular stuff fuses,, etc.. came to the conclusion it was the alternator, I removed the alternator and took it to get tested It was fine putting out the correct volts no bearing issues,, I replaced it on the car lights went out car running A:OK, ....However two days ago light came back on battery ran down and left me on the side of the road.
I have checked belts connections etc... all seem to be fine I do have a passenger side headlight issue
where the connectors have split with age and to get power to this headlight I have it wired to the side light
and when I originally bought the car the dealer I bought it from had to get some electrical issues sorted (transmission stuck in limp mode) but as I say I have put 100k on it since then no issues.
If I start the car and disconnect the battery when it is running it cuts out immediately.
MY Questions are
!
Could the voltage reg on alternator have an intermittent fault
can I test the alternator on the car (removing it is a bit of a "B")
I also have issues with my heater/ac directional switch (always in defrost mode) could these issues be linked.
Is there anyone out there that has experienced these issues who could help

 

First thing you need to do is test voltage at battery with engine running ( when dash light on). If alternator is functioning properly, voltage should be 13.8-14.2 volts. Also be sure to have battery tested regardless of age.

 

Most likely the voltage regulator is gone on the alternator.
Do the test James mentioned, if you need a voltage regulator, it is probably best at your mileage
to replace the entire alternator.
Make sure you get the correct unit, Valeo or Bosch.

 

Thank you just had alternator tested it's bad so it's coming off for a new one thank you again for advice