hey guys just wondering why my ALT keeps flashing , and the car wont start first go like it use to when i got it a month ago ? some morning it wont even start i have to jump start it ...

do i have a problem with my alternator ? what needs to be fix or replace for it start properly first go like it use to

get a Hydrometre??? from Supercrap and check battery first.

ALT light flashing could meant bushes in Alternator are on the way out,
(Auto Elec could check output),

or as simple as your fan belt slipping...

you should get some expert advice very soon from others on this site.

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I've had the pulley on the alternator come loose before. Everything seemed alright but it slipped over 1000 rpm.
Check the simple things first: battery fluid level, condition of wiring, and the belt as Davo says.

The alt light comes on when the alternator voltage is not high enough, so this could indicate that your alternator is on the way out.

But first, check all the things already said: the belt, battery wiring etc.

If your alternator is on the way out, it's not too hard to have a look at it yourself. You only need to take three nuts off to get it out of the car.

Take the plastic cover off the back, and have a look at the brushes. If you have a multimeter, you can check the diodes while you're at it. If these are the problem (which they usually are), an auto electrician could probably fix that up in 10 minutes. Or do it yourself - the brushes are easy to do, but the diode bank requires soldering.

I always notice this when people talk about Alternators. An Alternator runs on Bearings and has no "Bushes". However an Alternator has BRUSHES which make contact with the field winding via the slip rings to make it Charge. It is also a guess to say what is wrong without doing any tests. It is most times cheaper to check what the fault is coming from and fixing it than replacing bits to try and cure the problem. Using untested second hand parts could be another mistake as you could be adding to the faults. I know there are many EXPENSIVE Auto Electricians around but there are also honest ones too. Beware of the one that does not like Minis. He Hates them because he knows nothing about them.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

the description of items we back yard mechanics use is definately uneducated descriptions, but you experienced mechanics know what we are trying to say, that is how we learn, that is why this is such a great site for assistance and gaining knowledge,

We all have to start somewhere, knowledge is power and we are as weak as pi55, without your input and know how that is why we rely on your expertise....LOL...

Thanks gents

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I agree with you 100% Davo

Jethro

check the fluid in your battery, it could be empty and the battery need replacing
get a multimeter and see if you are getting near 14V across the battery when the car is running, if not then check the connections to the alternator and open the cover and see if the brushes are touching the drive, if not go down to repco, they cost like $2.