Alternator fault?

[terryc101]

Not long bought a 172 and its developed a plastic/rubbery burning smell from under the bonnet on the drivers side, it smells very strongly sometimes and other times I don't notice it. Driving home earlier with wipers/de-mist/lights etc on and a red 'Stop' and battery light flashed up on the dash. I was close to home so carried on for about 1/4 mile but turned the climate control and stereo off and it went out.

Am I right in thinking the alternator is struggling?

If so, what sort of job is this? Anywhere in Kent people would recommend to have a look at it?

Thanks

 

[AlexW]

Its worth checking all the electrical conections are clean first, often a cause of getting hot. The 13mm on the alternator wants checking, as does both battery terminals and the earths behind the headlight for the battery.