Chirping noise from alternator

churchtown2012

Hi All
Looking for some advice on a strange noise on a 03 fiat doblo 1.9 jtd. To me it sound like its coming from the alternator. If the engine is just left to idle you can hear it, sometimes its louder for some reason. Today I noticed that if I leave it to idle and then flash the lights or leave the lights on the noise is constant until i rev the engine or turn the lights off. I had mechanic check it today and hes first thought was the flywheel but when I mentioned what it was doing when I turned the headlights on, he is thinking the alternator.
Any help or ideas appreciated

cml387

Surely it's just a worn alternator belt which is slipping, especially when there is an extra load as happens when you turn the lights on.

churchtown2012

Thanks cml387 but its not that sort of noise that you would get from a slipping belt...thats more of a squealing noise. But your right it does happen when the altenator is under load but also happen sometimes when stop in traffic and id have no lights on

CJhaughey

If its not the belt its most likely one of the bearings in the alternator is gone, I'd see to it quickly as if it overheats and collapses then the armature will be damaged and it will cost a lot more than just reconditioning it.
If you are anyway handy there is a guy in Mayo selling recon kits for Alternators with bearings sliprings brushes/brushboxes the cost is very small less than €30 in most cases.
Goldlion_autoelectrics is the seller name.
He has a full youtube how to as well.

churchtown2012

Thanks CJhaughey if i find out the alternator is the problem is the fault i will follow your advice

Stoolbend

It could be the alternator pulley.

Does the noise go if you raise the engine speed slightly?

churchtown2012

it does if i bring the revs up a little ...... stoolbend