Citroen xsara 2003 1.4 8v alternator replacement

[CLEME1995]

Thanks both makes sense only not sure how to find the big lead to touch the probe on? I can see the ground i think on the top of the alternator then theres a wiring harness clipped. Yeah iwas thinking of possibly getting a refurbed on but I'm a bit weary of getting the job done only for it to pack in after a few months etc theres plenty on ebay etc for 50 quid suppose once I've done it once I'll know exactly how to do it next. And you're right 150 quid is about the same as the car is worth haha. The manuals have come doesn't show a great detail of if belts automatic tensioned or sort of manual i will look to have a go this weekend see how i get on. Cheers for the help lads really appreciate it

[mickthemaverick]

The big lead on the alternator is the one with a ring over a bolt, held in place with a nut. You can trace it directly from the battery positive terminal, it is by far the thickest cable connected there. I'll try and find a clear picture

[mickthemaverick]

You put your positive probe on the nut arrowed:

Bftw

[CLEME1995]

Thanks Mick i will give it a test later I can see that on my alternator pretty easy so i will give it a check after work and post back findings.

[CLEME1995]

Quick update, just tested again run engine with everything on lights, blower, air con etc this time reading was 13.6 to start then lowered to between 13.6 and 13 didn't find any difference between the battery and testing across the wire on the alternator still reading the same appears it goes up and down slightly you can sort of feel the engine trying to keep the revs up slightly every now and then. I've get the belts not slipping doesn't appear to be and feels pretty tight not loose.

[mickthemaverick]

Did you take a reading with all the lights fans etc turned off so that the system was under minimum load? At least so far you have shown the lead is OK but the alternator looks like it is not producing a decent output. A reading with the engine running and nothing on should be in the 13.5-14.5 Volt range and I like to see a minimum of 14.3V for healthy working.

[CLEME1995]

I will give that a test tomorrow then Mick i did test it on the last time when it was going below the 13 etc this time i tested it with everything being as i just thought it should have enough power to keep it up say for example winter when lights are on heater heated rear window etc. Will have a look tomorrow on the minimum load

[CLEME1995]

Sorry I've not had chance to check last couple of days but I've just tested now with no load running at 14.2v so i then turned on the lights air con etc and it stayed between 14 and 14.2 so no idea maybe its on its way but for time being its keeping up? Might well wait a bit before changing and keep testing every week see if it's lower end again...

[mickthemaverick]

Yes as long as it's above 14V it should keep going for a while, but as you say keep an eye on it and see how it goes.

[CLEME1995]

Will do Mick thanks for your help throughout much appreciated. Will probably need the tips and hints in future at some point.