I have just had my battery go flat twice in a week (new battery, so not a battery issue). The charge warning does not illuminate, but the alternator is the most likely suspect.
The simple question is, how do I release/adjust the tension on the belt to remove the alternator for test. I don't like to undo or pull to hard on things unless I know I am doing the correct thing.

Regards, Paul Dixon

P.S. Interesting to read about the number of failed door lock actuators. I have one too

 

To remove the belt, use a 14mm socket I believe and turn the tensioner bolt clock wise. That will move the tensioner and the belt will become loose. To get to the alternator you'll probably have to remove the power steering unit to make it easier to remove the alternator.

 

Paul, I would suggest checking your ground strap where it bolts to the body. I had battery issues (or so I thought) bought a new battery and still had issues. I checked my ground strap and found it was bolted to a fully painted piece of metal on the inner fender. Looks like the bolt threads were the only thing carrying current, and they were starting to rust. I cleaned off the paint from under the strap end, cleaned the bolt, replaced both and covered in dielectric grease. Problem disappeared.

 

A picture to add to the words above.

 

Before removing the alternator,
test the battery terminal voltage with a decent digital voltmeter - should be around 13.8 volts with the engine idling and no accessories on. With headlights and AC on, the voltage may drop a few tenths of a volt at idle but should recover to 13.8 above idle.

With the engine off and no lights on, a fully charged battery should be at 12.6 volts.