Old Astrs with a Dodgy Alternator

[Shazza36]

My 'N' reg Astra's electrics have suddenly gone a bit odd, it wouldn't start the other day there was nothing at all when the key was turned just a click we bumped it off and it has started ok ever since, but the battery light either flickers or stays on brightly, the seatbelt light keeps coming on for no reason and last night when I put my rear wiper on my headlights and dashboard lights went off, when I turned the wiper off I got them back??My hubby has has his test meter on the battery and its giving out 20 volts, any ideas? thanks

[Pesk]

I had an N reg astra for ages (only just sold it!) and my electrics faded on me - was the alternator. This sounds interittent so might be fuses?

[ambdukias66]

20 VOLTS!!! holy crap!!! i'm assuming european autos are on the 12 volt system just like here in the states so you definitely have either an alternator or voltage regulator problem. on a 12 volt system the alternator shouldn't put out more than 14.5 volts. some cars have the regulator built into the alternator, if that's the case you''l have to replace the alternator. if you're willing to, and have the aptitude, some alternators are rebuildable.
good luck
mike