Hi all,
I was so happy with my Espace... that something weird should happen
This morning, when starting from cold (temperature was 9C, so not too cold), it has taken some extra time to start, almost dying on the first attempt. It seemed to me like a soft battery. OK, I have thought, I will see when going back home today.
I have also noticed that a front light was gone... OK, another work to do on return
But then, while driving, I have got a new to me service message, which was an
airbag logo on the graphic display. I had never saw such a warning... Then, on next traffic light, while looking at the instruments panel, I have noticed an unintended dimming of all of it... accelerating did not change that (so my suspect for alternator). Luckily, engine has kept running until I have arrived destination, 5 minutes later.
As I don't like the idea to be stranded at work with a non-starting car, I have managed to get a new battery during the morning (thanks to one of my daughters who will buy it and take it here). I have a multimeter also to check battery voltage with engine stopped and also, when started, to see if there is enough voltage to charge the battery, so alternator is OK.
But, meanwhile... could you comment about this?. Is the alternator a common problem?.Car has run about 130.000km. I guess the V6 engine is not easy to access to replace alternator, right?
Regards,
JOSE