Loss of power to dashboard-loose earth connection?

[mike1981]

Hi
I have a Zafira B 1.9cdti on an 07 plate. It had a new alternator fitted a couple of weeks back. Since then, it randomly loses power to the dash board-radio goes first, followed by all lights to centre display and dash, followed by power steering, all a couple of seconds apart (headlights, indicators etc also fail). This lasts, at most 10 seconds, before restarting itself. It seemed initially it was associated with bumps and jolts, although now is occuring more regularly.

Error code reads alternator fault, but have had the new alternator checked and is fine. Only other suggestion from Vauxhall worker (family friend) is loose earth connection somewhere, problem being there are loads and not easily accessible.

Could this be an earth connection-and if so any indication as to where? Car itself is mechanically sound when this happens (apart from power steering). Trying to avoid taking it vauxhall dealer for them to spend hours looking and come up with nothing!

Thanks Mike

[gixerboyuk]

Since the fault has started since the fitting of the new alternator...............was it an exchange unit recon or a brand spanker? How was the alt tested? If it was all working and someone has just put a voltmeter over the battery terminals and checked the output voltage, that isn't going to prove a great deal imo.

[mike1981]

Since the fault has started since the fitting of the new alternator...............was it an exchange unit recon or a brand spanker? How was the alt tested? If it was all working and someone has just put a voltmeter over the battery terminals and checked the output voltage, that isn't going to prove a great deal imo.

It was a recon, bought from nationwide autocentre. I'm not 100% sure how it was tested, just was told it was charging the battery fine (they ran it for a time and monitered the voltage, with all heaters etc on, had no prolem with the battery etc since). How else would you suggest testing the alternator?
Thank you

[gilly-06]

it does sound like an earthing issue from the alternator to block its self

[Corsa_LET]

I had this on my mk4 astra, it was a loose connection on the alternator