i went to go to work yesterday my escort mk3 was completly dead no power at all put some jump leads on it with 1 minit it started up and of i went, went back to my car 5 hrs later same problem, done the same again got back home about 20 miles stopped the car and tried to start it but no power, i have checked the battery thats ok no wiers bernt guessing it is the alternator what do you think?

lee brain, April 2007

Hi,
Check your battery first, it sounds like it's on the way out. If you have a mate with a battery, put it in your car and start it up, then put a meter across the battery terminals. You should have a reading of about 13 to 13 and a half volts if your alternator is good. If your red battery warning light is on with the good battery in and the engine running, you are probably looking at an alternator. You should check all electrical earth connections for corrosion just to be safe though.
Cheers now

Ken Chapman, April 2007