Alternator failure....

[milleplod]

There's always something, isn't there! Not used the C5 (2.0HDi Exclusive auto) all week, been nipping around in the van, but I'm picking the Mrs and daughter up from Birmingham airport tomorrow afternoon, so thought I'd pop down to mum's in it, refuel it and treat it to a wash. It started on the button (new battery back in December), off I go. 300yds down the road, I turn right....bloody hell, power steering was on...off...on...off as I turned the wheel! Odd, I thought, but continued...it did it again over the next few miles, then a 'BOING' that made me jump out of my skin, warning on dash saying 'battery or charging problem', or similar, although the car was driving OK.

A mile later, 'power steering failure', 'STOP', ABS system failure....you name it, it had failed! So, I pull up in a handy layby, look under the bonnet, nothing to see, switch the engine off....and it won't restart as the battery's as flat as a proverbial. Green Flag called out, excellent response time considering its Friday afternoon, he gets his meter out and declares the alternator as being the culprit - he did try tapping it with a hammer, which I seem to remember as a 'trick of the trade' from years ago....it didn't work, needless to say! It was putting out around 11v.

The car's now home pending sourcing a replacement alternator. Can anyone give me a part number or particular type that I need please - I've looked on ECP, around £300! There are any number on eBay, but I want to make sure I get the right one.

Pete

[bobins]

Righty-ho, it's as clear as mud I've used my VIN to check - mine being a 2009 2.0Hdi VTR+, and this is what it says......



However.... a generic look-up for a 2.0Hdi C5 X7 gives a result of 10 different new alternators to choose from and the same for exchange - most of them are 180 amp, but a few are 150, so your VIN is really needed for an accurate answer

[milleplod]

Thanks for the reply.

VIN is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff].

Pete

[myglaren]

Have you looked on GSF?
I tried but could only get the 2.2 HDi without the registration number.

Form my 2.0 HDi there are 3 150A alternators at £340, £363 and £ 406 and a 90A for £333

There is a discount code for this weekend - BEE54 - which will give you 54% off those prices.

ECP will also have a discount code - last week it was 66% for the weekend.
They have 2 RTX alternators at £186 and £198 150A the both of them.
The discount code for this weekend is WEEKEND60

These alternators may not be suitable for your C5 (mine is an '03) but when the discount codes are applied the cost may not be so horrific.


ED: Pipped by Bobins

[bobins]

Same results as above - which might make things easier... or possibly not. I'd presume - but it is only a presumption - that any of the above ones would fit.

[milleplod]

Thanks very much! I'll do some digging around tomorrow - I can hear cold beer calling my name at the moment!

Pete

[bobins]

ECP will also have a discount code - last week it was 66% for the weekend.
They have 2 RTX alternators at £186 and £198 150A the both of them.

To put it politely, I've heard less than pleasant things about RTX parts. They may well be fine... but they wouldn't be my first choice... or second... or third

[myglaren]

ECP will also have a discount code - last week it was 66% for the weekend.
They have 2 RTX alternators at £186 and £198 150A the both of them.

To put it politely, I've heard less than pleasant things about RTX parts. They may well be fine... but they wouldn't be my first choice... or second... or third

Yep, pretty sure Malcolm viewed them with disfavour.

[lexi]

Rebuild the alternator. There are guides on YT. All the parts can be gotten on ebay. Put a clutch bearing in as well.

[milleplod]

I managed to get the part number - its a Mitsubishi one, A00 4TJ 0084C. I've found a few used ones from breakers, but the best one seems to be a recon unit with 12m warranty for £87 delivered, no surcharge as they expect the old one to be ready to go back when they deliver. Seems reasonable enough, so think I'll take the plunge tomorrow - and a mate's doing the job for me inexchange for a few bottles of very nice red wine!

Pete

[bobins]

Sounds like a good deal - both the supply and the fitting

[milleplod]

I'm happy....he's happy....what's not to like!

Pete

[Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur]

I've heard less than pleasant things about RTX parts

I'd heard them too, and took a chance when the alt' on daughter's car [value not much more than the cost of a new alternator] failed.... and took a chance.

...700miles later, the RTX alt' was back at Euro's and I was cursing having to do the job twice; which on her 106D is a right pain in the xxxx. Its got a 'Remy' on it now which has been fine. If in doubt, remove it and take it to the factors with you.

106D will be coming up for sale / spares Sept. 'tis offered elsewhere, but am expecting a 'no' from that person. About a one-r as is tatty and has HG weep. Glowplug relay also new.

[Gibbo2286]

Most alternator failures are down to the regulator, new regulators for most makes can be bought for £20-30 at motor factors and are easily fitted.

[ekjdm14]

Most alternator failures are down to the regulator, new regulators for most makes can be bought for £20-30 at motor factors and are easily fitted.

Agreed, and as there's at least some output from the "dead" one it's likely down to the reg/rec/brush pack and a bit of crap on the slip rings.

Seems like the deal is done though for a refurb item, I guess the extra cost can be sort of offset with the "one in one out" swap & go of a replacement unit though & presumably new clutch/bearings in the incoming item.

Oh, and another -1 for RTX stuff. Heard & read enough times how they've failed within a month or never worked from the get-go to class them in the same category as Lizarte spheres...