Is it my battery?
 

Hi, on the way home today, I noticed my ABS light come on, along with the handbrake light, then the radio turned itself off. I went to pull away and it was lacking in power (its a CDTi sorry).

Having got to a safe bit of road, I rang a friend to bring some jump leads as obd was saying it was only 8volts in the system.

We connected the jump leads and it started, I thought it might be the battery, but if that was the case, would the car still run without a battery connected? Or is there a failsafe in the system that shuts off the engine if it detects no draw by the battery at all?

The only light that didn't come on was the alternator light.

Really do hope its just that and not the ecu.

Have to say, this sounds like the alternator isn't working any longer.
Are the wires plugged in to the alternator properly?
Have you checked all fuses are good (one feeds the alternator to get it "started")
Chris

Well the battery was shot!

But I think as the battery was shot, it has in turn taken out the alternator.

I put a new battery in and it fired up, but was only get 11.7v on obd and on multimeter, but the battery light didn't come on inside the car, disconnected the multiplug on it, still no light, then removed the feed that goes to the bridge on the starter motor and the light came on.

I put a multimeter across the output and earth and it came back with 0.07v (20v settting) so would it be the stator thats gone or the regulator?

Fed up already of driving the wifes mervia lol.

I think normally it is the brushes that go on the diesel.

It is possible to replace the regulator on the diesel without removing the alternator. If it is the stator then it is a complete alternator out job (not a 2 minute job, but not horrendous)
If it were my car, I would probably try replacing the regulator/brushes as that saves pulling the alternator out (I hate the serpentine belt, I always end up struggling to refit.

Obviously depends upon how you feel about doing these jobs - the (almost) guaranteed fix is to swap the alternator....

Chris

I replaced the brushes on it about 3 months ago, so probably the acutal regulator this time, hope so.

Well it was the regulator....
 

Well it was the regulator, I think it decided trying to charge a stuffed batter was too much and topped itself.

All up an running now with new regulator.

Next job T4 for the airbag light. MOT end of May .


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Good news that you got it sorted.
Even better that it didn't require the alternator removing (as that can be a pig of a job)
Thanks for sharing the solution :)
Chris

Well...
 

Did a nice country run to York from Burnley today to give the girl a good run out, and it didn't miss a beat.

Got home to find my flex pipe replacement and new handbrake bits waiting for me , so guess thats next weekend sorted :D