battery or alternator?

[crappyvan2]

I own a Citroen Berlingo 1.9 diesel van 2004 reg.

I was driving along yesterday when the battery light came on.

I continued to the shops and when I came out of the shops the van wouldn't restart. My friend came and jump started it with his car, the van started straight away and didnt need much encouragement. At this point the battery light went off. I proceeded to drive home and left the van on the drive. Two hours later I retried the van and it started perfectly. This morning I tried the van again and it started fine once more. I tried the van for a 3rd time about 2 hours ago and the van started fine also. I have just tried the van again now ans the van wont start anymore and the battery light is on. The battery is about 2 years old and I only use the van for small journeys most of the time. Does this sound like the need for a new battery or possible alternator problem? Thank you,

[ron]

Short trips are killers for batteries.Charge the battery & get the alternator checked.I charge my battery monthly in summer & fortnightly in winter as I do short trips between longer ones.I have never had battery problems.alut:

[crappyvan2]

Short trips are killers for batteries.Charge the battery & get the alternator checked.I charge my battery monthly in summer & fortnightly in winter as I do short trips between longer ones.I have never had battery problems.alut:

Thanks,

This will sound like a really stupid question but how would I charge the battery? I'm guessing a garage will have to do it? Would jump starting and then a long journey help?

[ron]

Can you not charge it at home with a charger?Buying a charger would probably be cheaper & more convenient than a frequent long run.cratch:

[crappyvan2]

Can you not charge it at home with a charger?Buying a charger would probably be cheaper & more convenient than a frequent long run.cratch:

Yea I'll buy a charger I was just thinking of now lol

Thanks

[tommy1]

hi
i have a 2004 blingo and the same happened to me it turned out to be connection wire to the alternator was corroded,i went to undo the nut and the wire broke off so had to make good the wire,reconnected and all is good

[Ol'Jeffers]

I'd agree with tommy....It seems that the fault is somewhat intermittent and that points to a bad / corroded connection.
It's much cheaper to check out the battery leads at both ends and the alternator leads, especially that pesky alternator
earth than it is to throw parts at it and then discover that your new battery or alternator has cured the problem.