Alternator

C.D.

Ok, so the current run-around is a 01 Almera, 72k miles. The Battery is a few months old and is not faulty. Every other day, my "battery" light on the dash is stuck on on. Upon inspection, the voltage across my battery's terminals is ~11.9V (The battery's charge is higher once the car is turned off). However, every other other day, it is fine (~14.1V i.e. battery charging). Terminals are clean, tight etc. Any points as to tests I could run to check the health of my alternator?

PS. Can anyone recommend a Nissan Indie specialist on the Southside (Dun Laoghaire area)?

charlesD

C.D. wrote: »

Ok, so the current run-around is a 01 Almera, 72k miles. The Battery is a few months old and is not faulty. Every other day, my "battery" light on the dash is stuck on on. Upon inspection, the voltage across my battery's terminals is ~11.9V (The battery's charge is higher once the car is turned off). However, every other other day, it is fine (~14.1V i.e. battery charging). Terminals are clean, tight etc. Any points as to tests I could run to check the health of my alternator?

Typically that is an indication that your alternator is not functioning 100% of the time. With the car on, the volts should be higher than 12. My Ford runs at 14.7.

Probably when it is running at 14.1, the alternator is working, but when it is at 12 it is not. You could check the current coming out of the alternator, but it should be the same as the battery.

C.D.

Yeah I figured it is probably the alternator. Going to have a look for loose wiring later. Would it be an indication that the alternator needs repairing/replacing? Hopefully just a quick repair! Any idea on pricing

djkeogh

Had a problem with my alternator there over the bank holiday weekend in an 01 Almera. On a drive from Dublin to Clare and the battery light came on. Bout 45 mins later all electrics in the car failed and didn't come back. Just about got to destination before the engine died completely. Got a 2nd hand alternator for €60 in the local mechanics.

Best to get it checked out for certain cause if your out at night and it goes you could be in trouble.

charlesD

C.D. wrote: »

Yeah I figured it is probably the alternator. Going to have a look for loose wiring later. Would it be an indication that the alternator needs repairing/replacing? Hopefully just a quick repair! Any idea on pricing

Chances are it needs replacing. This is US dollars, but the alternator for my ford truck was less than $200 and I replaced one for another ford, which was an old police car, and this one was around $250.

Generally the replacement is fairly simple. You take the belt off the alternator pulley, but leave it in place on the other pulleys. Then disconnect the wires from the alternator, usually just two, then remove the bolts holding it in. All in all the process can be done rather easily. I checked out the engine compartment of your car though and it looks like it was pretty tight, which can be a pain. I changed an eclipse once that was like that and it was harder than the fords.

In regards to buying a used one, you should be careful. You can buy rebuilt ones or sometimes even have yours rebuilt, but I would advise against buying a second hand one from a junkyard or something. Usually with an alternator it is best to buy it new. You get a warranty and know the history of it.

Pete67

Before you change the alternator, check the drive belt is tight. If loose it will slip under load and you will get the effects you describe.

C.D.

Hmm, well the general consensus seem to be my alternator is screwed. Got to drive to Kilkenny and back tomorrow so hopefully I'll be alright So I guess I'd be looking at the guts of €300 for a new (incl labour)? Just need to find a garage to do the work now! I'm looking for Nissan indie as the previous garage I used are a bunch of chancers!

C.D.

PS @Pete: How do I check if it is tight? As in, should there be visible slack and I could move it with my hand?

Pete67

PS @Pete: How do I check if it is tight? As in, should there be visible slack and I could move it with my hand?

It should not be slack. Many cars have automatic belt tensioners, not sure about the Almera. A general guide for manually adjusted belts is that you should just be able to twist the belt by no more than 90 degrees in the middle of the longest span. If it's adjusted manually the alternator should be moved in and out to tension the belt.