Alternator

[Norn Iron]

Hi folks, I've a fair idea my alternator is on its way out. The check Battery notification and the fuel filter light both came on last night,and through searching previous threads I've seen it can point to alternator issues. I've used a meter and I'm only gettin 11.3v when the car is tickin over which I believe should be 14v or there abouts. Has anyone any advice they could share or experienced the same problem. It looks a right pain to get at lol!!

[smudge-1991]

Definitely a fault it could be a build up of dust and crap in the bushes cpusing problems also I would check the cable connection on both ends and that the alternator belt is nice and tight ... These are just things I've learnt can cause faults and can save a few quid ( customer seems pleased anyway) .... And an alternator refurbished could be a better option also it's cheaper for one takes a little longer but saves money

[TomdeGuerre]

Have you checked your alternator relay? It energises the field windings of the alternator when the engine is running and disconnects the field windings when t's switched off. Google Alternator Relay for Auris T180.

Even if it is your alternator itself that's on the fritz you might be able to repair it. I had one recently on a 3 series BMW that I was selling where the red light came on and I was being quoted £240 for a replacement Valeo alternator. I was only making about £250 from selling the car so I took the alternator off myself and stripped it down to find it was just the brushes that were worn. I managed to source a new set of brushes for £4.50 inc VAT. I fitted them myself using a 60 watt soldering iron and it worked fine. Yours will probably be a Denso alternator so I don't know whether spares will be available for it - easy enough for you to check if you get the model number etc.

[Norn Iron]

Thanks for the replies, I tried to take it off myself last night but I could hardly get at it, let alone take it off! If I'm looking at the right component, it sits behind the block on the drivers side. I'm not very mechanically gifted and I don't have a lot of work space so I left it over to the local auto spark. Hopefully it shouldn't be too expensive!