Fiat Uno. alternator failed?

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Thu 12 Jun 2003 02:13
Fiat Uno. alternator failed? - henry k
FIAT UNO not very aptly named a FIRE 999cc version.
Problem 1
The ignition light fails to light up prior to the starter being activated. I sometimes get a very very dim light if I rev the engine. So the lamp is OK but Haynes says the alternator or the control box is the cause. Any suggestions /confirmation of diagnosis before I raid the breakers yard. It appears to be a sudden failure.
I feel fairly certain I would have immediately noticed the lack of the ignition light as it is so large on the UNO.

Problem 2
A few days ago the noisy clock stopped working but I ignored its loss. Then the first use of the UNO after dark showed the internal light had also failed. Cause appears to be an obviously blown 10 Amp fuse. I replaced the fuse and clock plus light now work.
I have had the UNO for four years. I know fuses can occasionally just fail but I am concerned that something else caused it to blow. Maybe a chafed wire somewhere.
Problem 2 occurred days before the ignition light problem.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 12 Jun 2003 10:50
Fiat Uno. alternator failed? - Dynamic Dave
Re: problem 1, Alternator.

Check to see if the alternator earth wire is still attached. I remember on my old Astra the earth brade rotting between the block and alternator and leaving me with no warning light on the dash. A couple of days later the battery went flat. At the time I just thought it was the bulb that had blown and decided it was ok to leave it until the weekend before replacing the bulb. How wrong was I?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide