Alternator on the way out

[oldskewel]

Originally Posted by donmi

- 164.000km (Live in Canada)
- 2 years
- trans failsafe came on together with Light for ABS, DTC, Airbag, engine died of low voltage
- yes, charging comes on

Interesting today
- I "caught" the car with 11.4 V with running engine and 12.4V without running engine, so, it is the alternator..


Thanks!

All sounds good. I agree it seems to point to the alternator. If it were me, I would remove the alternator, open it up, and inspect the brushes. That is usually the most common failure point, in my experience.

Beyond that, there are other bench tests you can do (resistances, diodes, etc.), but one major issue you will have is that the problem is intermittent, so any test you do will have to be lucky to catch the fault when it is present.

Bench test at your local auto parts store is another option, but the intermittent issue is still there, and even then, the results may not be accurate.

And if you don't clearly find the fault there, it could be a wiring or connector issue, which of course you could keep an eye out for as you are getting in there.

Good luck. Hopefully the fault sticks around to let you get a clear diagnosis.

[andrewwynn]

I would have suggested the same but I believe that year/engine will have water cooled alternator. Doesn't pop open like the air cooled models.

[donmi]

Thanks for all your help.

I replaced the alternator and the problem seems to be solved.

Will watch it for a few days / weeks via Live Data from my "bluedriver" OBD2.

BTW: In my model the alternator is NOT water cooled.

The old one will be kept, there is a guy near who does amazing jobs in rebuilding alternators.

Michael

[andrewwynn]

If it's valeo get the kit and learn to DIY. Somebody on xo would love to buy your old refurbished one.

[donmi]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

If it's valeo get the kit and learn to DIY. Somebody on xo would love to buy your old refurbished one.

No problem with DIY.

Do you have some more info regarding the repair kit??

i.e. this one: https://www.maniacelectricmotors.com...s-bearing.html

Thanks!

[andrewwynn]

No not unless you know you need bearings.

I bought on eBay. Slip rings and brush kit for $20. There are some good YouTube videos step by step.

Key difference; YouTube guys usually mechanically remove the epoxy potting but will a little heat from a mini torch it will release in one or three pieces