[AutoSphere]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

Check this thread - may help you find the solution to the problem being faced.


Get a multimeter and check for the readings during a cold start and after engine is 'hot'.

Thanks. Actually the voltages at the battery are good and the alternator/charging system was checked OK.

So that's why I believe the voltages at the starter terminals could give me a clue.

[Kosfactor]

Originally Posted by sachinkudva

@Kosfactor, noticed your location says Bangalore. Would you happen to know who the expert electrician is? I really need one. Though I guess I am looking more for patience than expertise!

Sorry, I just saw it now. Here is an electrician familiar with off-road folks. SB electrical, Owner's name is Sandip, a very nice man. Reach the Sindhoor convention center and call them.

Phone.
+919448411145

Location : Next to this restaurant.

Dastarkhwan -e- WOOD CHICK
#44/2, 14th B Cross Rd, near Metro Station, Sarakki, Gangadhar Nagar, 1st Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078
070227 23389

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2FGtm6GssvG8vVXx5

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by AutoSphere

Thanks. Actually the voltages at the battery are good and the alternator/charging system was checked OK. So that's why I believe the voltages at the starter terminals could give me a clue.

Since voltage at the battery terminal checks out ok, 2 more things you need to check:

a) Voltage drop at the starter motor +ve terminal. This is easy to do with a simple digital multimeter. Also make sure the SM and battery terminals are clean.

b) Battery load test - take the car to a battery shop and they can perform the test for you.

[hypermiler]

Hi, I have a corolla Altis, just completing 5 years, 50k KMS. I have not had any troublesome experience with the car and had not changed a thing yet.

Last year service personnel indicated that the Battery has expired, but is still maintaining the charge and I may possibly have to change in the next year. Come yearly service now, I requested the service personnel to replace the battery as I plan to drive long distances. Just now, he called and indicated that the battery charge is low and that the alternator is also not in a good shape and would be better to replace the alternator along with the battery. The alternator costs 21k.

So far, I had not faced any starting troubles with the car, though I did experience occasional stalling when I am at the low gear, crawling over very uneven surfaces and some minor issues in closing the trunk a couple of days back (after switching off the car, locking and unlocking using remote, it started working properly).

So, I want to know what the symptoms of a failing alternator. I would assume that the result of a failing alternator is that the battery will not get charged, as as a result, you will have starting issues. Is that correct? Maybe, a check alternator light would come up. So far, I have not noticed any warning lights during the driving of the car...

Any thoughts will be helpful!

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by hypermiler

I would assume that the result of a failing alternator is that the battery will not get charged, as as a result, you will have starting issues. Is that correct? Maybe, a check alternator light would come up. So far, I have not noticed any warning lights during the driving of the car

Battery will not charge for sure but before that you will see the warning light. As for the alternator packing up, I have mentioned it on this thread that IF there's an issue only the affected part, for e.g. the regulator or rectifier, needs to be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a new alternator. Please get the car checked by another service station or a good auto electrician.

[udaydesai]

Hi,
Need to repair my vento alternator , do anyone knows where to repair in thane, Mumbai.
Uday

[Mortis]

Originally Posted by udaydesai

Hi,
Need to repair my vento alternator , do anyone knows where to repair in thane, Mumbai.
Uday

No idea about Thane but in Santacruz W there is an alternator specialist whose details I can get for you if you are willing to travel

[udaydesai]

Originally Posted by Mortis

No idea about Thane but in Santacruz W there is an alternator specialist whose details I can get for you if you are willing to travel

Thanks buddy, please provide me with details.

Uday

[Mortis]

Originally Posted by udaydesai

Thanks buddy, please provide me with details.

Uday

Its Gangaram Electric works located on Gazdar Bandh. Tel No : 9821060529.

I would suggest having a chat before making the trip

[bharatbits]

I am getting a click click sound from the engine area on cold starts only for a few minutes from 31 Dec, 2020. Once in a while also felt some metal part was touching the fan (not engine fan, alternator fan possibly) and obstructing it's free movement. Could feel the sound yesterday even during the day when the car was started after parking for half an hour.

So, i got the Linea MJD checked at the Landmark Fiat ASS, Andheri and was told the sound is from the alternator area. Checked by removing the belt and the sound stopped. Initial diagnosis is that there is some play in the pulley. The alternator is on its way out and replacing it is the the solution they propose.

No battery sign or anything on the MID. The lights and horn are as powerful as they were earlier. I did face raised rpms at idle and at traffic signals and weak horn for 3 days around 2 months ago. Never resurfaced after that though. Battery is new Powerzone bought 2 months ago. OEM specs and rating. Stock Exide lasted about 4 years 10 months and could still run for a while. Changed before failure to avoid surprises. Installed a basic 2 DIN Pioneer music system 2 years ago as the stock one did not have bluetooth connectivity. Never using it though. I don't think the Pioneer music system is the cause of the issue.

What could be wrong? I have a inevitable 3000km road journey with family from Mumbai starting today. Have written to Fiat ASS in Hyderabad for a priority appointment to check what's wrong. Car will be idle for a day in Hyderabad before heading towards Vellore.

If it is general wear tear can just the pulley not be replaced? If at all the alternator needs to be replaced would it be a good idea to get it overhauled at some authorised Bosch or TVS Lucas places? Reliability is key since I'd be with family including a infant on leisure trips and in a rush on work days as i work in emergency health care services.

Fiat stopped giving extended warranty of 2 years over the base 3 years since 2016 or so. I had to change quite a few parts after the 3 year warranty was over which would have ideally been covered under extended warranty if i had it :(

Appreciate any pointers and guidance on this issue.

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by bharatbits

Checked by removing the belt and the sound stopped. Initial diagnosis is that there is some play in the pulley. The alternator is on its way out and replacing it is the the solution they propose. If it is general wear tear can just the pulley not be replaced? If at all the alternator needs to be replaced would it be a good idea to get it overhauled at some authorised Bosch or TVS Lucas places? Reliability is key since I'd be with family including a infant on leisure trips and in a rush on work days as i work in emergency health care services.

You do NOT need to replace an alternator. Literally every part including bearing, pulley, rectifier/regulator, rotor, stator can be replaced..provided it is available of course. Given this is a Fiat it may be a challenge.

Check your alternator's rotor bearing set and the drive belt. I'd recommend a visit to the Bosch/Lucas TVS work shops for a 2nd opinion. Alternator bearings can wear out over time but they go for lakhs of kms before doing so. What kills them prematurely? Over tightened belts, water ingress and dust. Belts go bad too but accelerated wear occurs if engine oil, brake fluid is dropped on the part.

Get this fixed before embarking on a long distance journey otherwise it could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.

[bijuiser]

The Alternator Pulley of my Tata Aria broke yesterday. I went to TAASC (Rudra Pune). I was advised to get the alternator replaced. The cost, for parts only, quoted are as follows:
Alternator Assembly: INR 55,370/-
Belt: INR 700/-
Tensioner: INR 1715/-

My car is with a FNM who has removed the alternator and sent to third-party to check if it's is repairable.

Meanwhile need opinion on the price of the new alternator assembly, which I believe is too high.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by bijuiser

The Alternator Pulley of my Tata Aria broke yesterday. I went to TAASC (Rudra Pune). I was advised to get the alternator replaced. The cost, for parts only, quoted are as follows:
Alternator Assembly: INR 55,370/-
Belt: INR 700/-
Tensioner: INR 1715/-

My car is with a FNM who has removed the alternator and sent to third-party to check if it's is repairable.

Meanwhile need opinion on the price of the new alternator assembly, which I believe is too high.

Unless there is a major mechanical problem; broken body or bent shaft etc; alternator is repairable. The most common repairs are :

1. Replacement of electronics, mainly diodes.
2. Rewinding
3. Replacement of bearings at both ends

The costs are quite reasonable in the tune of Rs.2,000/ to Rs.5,000/ at the most 10K

[sagarpadaki]

Originally Posted by bijuiser

The Alternator Pulley of my Tata Aria broke yesterday. I went to TAASC (Rudra Pune). I was advised to get the alternator replaced. The cost, for parts only, quoted are as follows:
Alternator Assembly: INR 55,370/-
Belt: INR 700/-
Tensioner: INR 1715/-

My car is with a FNM who has removed the alternator and sent to third-party to check if it's is repairable.

Meanwhile need opinion on the price of the new alternator assembly, which I believe is too high.

Alternators are definitely repairable. The pulley can be replaced by any decent alternator overhaul shops that are plenty in every city

[bijuiser]

Originally Posted by bijuiser

The Alternator Pulley of my Tata Aria broke yesterday. I went to TAASC (Rudra Pune). I was advised to get the alternator replaced. The cost, for parts only, quoted are as follows:
Alternator Assembly: INR 55,370/-
Belt: INR 700/-
Tensioner: INR 1715/-

My car is with a FNM who has removed the alternator and sent to third-party to check if it's is repairable.

Meanwhile need opinion on the price of the new alternator assembly, which I believe is too high.

I check with another TASC the price of a new alternator is indeed INR 55,370/-. Any idea how much other manufacturers like Mahindra charge?