Loud clicking sound from engine battery light turning on and then the car cuts out! HELP!!

1998 Ford Fiesta 1.25 zetec
Car: Ford Fiesta
Year: 1998
Variant: 1.25 zetec
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
My Car has this loud clicking sound coming from the engine, cant see anything that could be specifically causing this (i.e fan belt still rotating etc). it does this whilst in neutral, and when i push/take my foot off the accelerator.

and today, driving from my house to my mums (12 miles) the battery light came on and the car stopped working, and the steering became VERY heavy. was able to re-start the car and get it down the end of the road to mums driveway (approx 100ft) but then it did it again as i was slowing down to park.

the clicking sound from the engine (which i faintly noticed yesterday) has just got louder and louder and louder!

ive called a mechanic as now im stranded! but wanted some advice as to what it could be so i can prepare myself for the worst!

PLEASE HELP!!!
Problem added: Feb 14, 2010 (14 years ago)
Rae

Points: 2
could be a number of things required to resolve this problem you are experiencing
bad battery / connections ie bad earth check battery connections for security and check earth point too the other options could be battery needs replacing may have a few cells breaking down
could be the alternator breaking down
if you can get the car running and go to the nearest motorists store they will be able to run a few test and give you a idea of whether its your battery at fault or the alternator either way its piece of mind and this service is free at a motor factors
Answered Feb 14, 2010 (14 years ago)
thomkas_cars

Points: 1,056
Reply
With noise from engine , first thing to check would be oil level .With regard to ignition light , get alternator output tested . When the engine cut out , the steering would get heavy as you would not have any power steering .
Answered Feb 14, 2010 (14 years ago)
whittingehame

Points: 37,684
Reply
i checked the oil before i set off which was fine.
how long will the alternator take to get fixed?

mechanic still not here!

Answered Feb 14, 2010 (14 years ago)
Rae

Points: 2
Reply
If alternator faulty , need replacement unless it's a fault at wiring / socket . Not a big job but very unlikely mechanic will have spare alternator with him . Unless he suspects that is cause and is trying to locate part which would be hard at this time .

P.s
Just had a thought , depending on how bad noise is , you can get clicking from faulty relay .
Answered Feb 14, 2010 (14 years ago)
whittingehame

Points: 37,684
Reply
its easier just to get hold of a new alternator if it is this that is faulty of course would only take about 30 to 40 minutes minutes to replace give and take a few hope this helps
Answered Feb 15, 2010 (14 years ago)
thomkas_cars

Points: 1,056
Reply

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