Firstly, for some time now I can hear (only occasionally) a slight grinding noise when I start my car (coming from the engine bay). Took to dealer and they said until they can hear it or it gets worse for me to leave it - diagnosis being, that starter motor probably needs lubricating.

Secondly, when I wash my car for years now, I sometimes receive alternator/belt failure light coming on (the red central one – never the small amber battery one). However, I go check the belt and it’s ok. I turn steering left right and I can feel belt hooking up. Charging voltage always reads 14V. The dealer tells me that belt can sometimes slip for a bit when wet, and that if error immediately sorts itself out that’s fine. Well, for years this was the case.

However, today I start my car and I am welcomed by the grinding noise (does not happen often). Then I wash my car. Start the car again, no grinding, but the alternator/belt light appears. This is the norm for me so I cancel the message and drive off observing volt meter just in case. This time I notice that car isn’t charging. I watch the voltage drop as I drive. Finally, I park the car 1 mile from home and go to shops. I return and car won’t start. Wife rescued me with starter cables and I just managed home voltage showing 10V. Car is on battery charger now.

I am thinking, alternator, voltage regulator.

Any ideas?

 

Can be the ground strap as well in the engine bay. Or voltage regulator or alternator pulley free wheeling if it's a six speed car.

 

Yes manual six speed.

Pulley free wheeling? Whats a fix for that?

Had gearbox out, without engine out - could ground strap be disturbed then?

Thanks.