Lights dim when I switch on an accessory

[Thrill]

If I turn on a accessory, lets say wipers when I'm stood still, the lights will dim, then go back brighter. Same applies with the inside light, if I turn on my electric rear window heater the interior light dims. This one stays permanently dim, until I set off or turn off the rear heater. Also, on cold starts the car squeals as if it's struggling to power stuff (lights, wipers, rear window heater). If I max everything out, lights on, rear window heater, blowers on, hazards on, wipers on, then the car sounds as if it's struggling to keep going and whistling when idle.

Is my alternator on it's way out? It's also on its original battery, and it's a 2004 plate Clio 1.2 16v.. could it be the battery? Many thanks.

 

[DrR]

sounds normal, appart from the squeals, every car i've had does this to a certain extent.

 

[Thrill]

It's more of a 'whining' struggling noise. If it's all normal, then I'm sure it's all good then!

 

[DrR]

whining noise is not normal

On my Focus is i switch on the rear window heater there is a noticeable load on the engine.

 

[bionic]

1.2 clios struggle with charging if you have the time and some money i would do a bigger alternator wire upgrade and the 2 grounds upgrade and then a bigger battery or a secondary battery

 

[MarkCup]

Original battery from 2004 is likely to be well past its best.

 

[mark smith87]

Try replacing the battery. Once the cold weather kicks in it will show any weakness in the battery and if its been on the car a few years its likely to let you down sooner than later.

 

[Thrill]

I'm a member of the RAC so all I do is pay for the battery and they fit it. I'm not 100% confident fitting it, but surely can't be too hard! If they struggle with charging then I guess that's the issue.. will get a new battery sorted out, maybe a Christmas present! Bosch, are they the best brand? What power do they need to be in CCA? Don't wanna get a crap one, they're pretty important.

 

[Owen92]

Battery is easy to change. Disconnect negative lead then disconnect positive lead. Remove the battery clamp, lift out battery, fit new battery, refit clamp, refit positive lead and then negative lead.

 

[Jay_G]

Surely it's more likely to be alternator?

 

[bionic]

if its non aircon they are 70a also have stupid thin wire so there full charge capability is reduced but it can be down to the battery aswell i would personally cram a bigger one in not one made for the car as there lower ah/cca is useless

 

[Thrill]

if its non aircon they are 70a also have stupid thin wire so there full charge capability is reduced but it can be down to the battery aswell i would personally cram a bigger one in not one made for the car as there lower ah/cca is useless

Bosch S3001 Car Battery S3, this a decent battery? Is it better than the originals? Cheers. It's not got air con, sadly

 

[bionic]

i would say more this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bosch-S4-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item45ff0de416

slightly longer more ah and cold cranking amps

 

[Thrill]

i would say more this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bosch-S4-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item45ff0de416

slightly longer more ah and cold cranking amps

Thank you. So all I need is a spanner? Is this battery held in front underneath? Or just loosen the terminals and lift out? Is the battery screwed in somehow?

 

[Expired]

There will be a clamp (plate) that hold the bottom of the battery down. You will need a 13mm socket and extender to get to it.