Peugeot 306 Alternator

[Salsito]

Anyone know if its easy to replace yourself? Mine is shot, have to recharge the battery every 2-3 weeks.

[eltel]

Its a fairly easy job for a confident diy'er, are you sure its the alternator though with what you describe it could well be the battery on its way out might be worth getting it checked first.

[Salsito]

Thanks, i'm pretty sure it is as I can charge the battery, i'd imagine if there was a problem with the battery itself then it wouldnt charge/hold a charge well.

[eltel]

Thanks, i'm pretty sure it is as I can charge the battery, i'd imagine if there was a problem with the battery itself then it wouldnt charge/hold a charge well.

Not necessarialy a u/s battery will still charge and hold its charge for a time.
Another answer could be that something is discharging the battery or you are only doing short journeys and not putting enough charge into the battery.
If you live in the uk there are plenty of places that will check the battery f.o.c (kwik fit halfords etc) it may be worth a visit as a alternator is quite expensive.
Alternately if you have a multimeter see what the output of the alternator is with the engine running.

[Salsito]

Thanks.. you can tell i'm no vehicle mechanic...

[nbear8]

I wonder if you fan belt is loose? Do you hear squealing sometimes just after you start the car? I would make certain it is the alternator as I find they either work or do not if it was not working I would say the battery would go down way faster than a week or so

[Salsito]

Thanks for your input.

I don't get any "squeeling" at all.

I've tested the voltage across the battery fully charged - just under 13 volts. Connected with engine running nearer 15volts so I guess from that the Alt is working as it should.

My only thought now is something is slowly draining the battery faster than its being charged, my daily commute is around 12 miles each way (mostly dual carraigeway) so it should be chargeing ok.

I'll suck it and see, I've left the radio off to see if that is the cause of the drain.

[nbear8]

I wonder if you have a light in the book that is staying on or in the bonnet? Faulty switch or is the radio staying on ? Still worth a second to check the belt is tight as it reduces the alternator's ability to charge if it slips. It maybe worth getting a load test (often free on the battery) .