Alternator Fault

[lanciamad]

Just been fiddling, like you do. (Dreaded MOT on monday ) Started car up many times over the day for relevant jobs i was doing, exhaust, fluids etc.. not a problem. I was done! Then; started it, could smell something as if it was burning had a look and it seemed it was coming from the fan, turned it off to see it was in fact coming out of the alternator.
Checked the voltage at the battery and it was still receiving around 13.5v and everything was still working.
When ignition is off, the battery warning light is permanently on bright, when i remove the white/black wire from the alternator it goes out.
I reconnected it and once started the warning light goes to a dim colour, but before the problem was never on.
Is it just a case that my alternator has decided it wants to pack up and do it in a spectacular way 

The joys of beta ownership 

[hutch6610]

This sort of thing happens to lots of cars, even new ones - its just your car has picked to do it when an MOT is due!

Your diode/rectifier pack has one or more diodes burn out and is allowing current to flow back - hence the red light. 
It will charge the battery mind but with the light on will discharge it if left connected overnight.

Its not an MOT'able item by the way!
But don't take a chance and change the whole thing.

Is it just a case that my alternator has decided it wants to pack up and do it in a spectacular way 

YES!

[lanciamad]

Thanks hutch i knew you'd know the answer I've got a spare (Hopefully its good), so i'll have to find time to fit that and hope thats the end of the matter.
At least i know its not a wiring fault