I'm investigating a fault with the charging system in my 1998 4/4 (1.8 silver top Zetec).
Symptoms: With the ignition switched on (engine not running) I can switch on the headlights ok. With the engine running, if I switch on the headlights they are ok for a moment or two then they fade out and the tacho also dies but the engine still runs ok. Its as if, once the engine is running, there is no power available for the lights & tacho.
I have checked the battery with a proper battery tester (Topdon BT200) and it is ok and fully charged.
I haven't checked the alternator yet but:
My first question is would this car have a so-called Smart Charging System as I understand that a Smart Charging System may make alternator diagnosis more complicated as the charging rate involves the ECU.
My second question: Can anyone give me the part number for the alternator?
