Alternator??

[boru]

When I came out of the shop yesterday evening I noticed a strange 'whine' when I started the car. I pulled in and looked under the bonnet but couldn't figure exactly where it was coming from but I think it 's in the vicinity of the alternator. When I got back in the car I noticed that the battery light was faintly lit and that the voltmeter was only reading 11 whereas it's normally 14. The car took me home anyway, I used no unnecessary electrics. Had to take it to work this morning as no other transport, coming home the voltmeter is almost at 8, and my rev counter has started to drop to 0 although the car's still driving OK. I'm assuming this is pointing towards a failed alternator. However I would appreciate you opinions and advice before I do anything. Also, if it is the alternator is it better (or cheaper) to get a second-hand one, or a reconditioned, or new, or get mine fixed.

[colm_mcm]

could just be a slipping belt.

[boru]

Checked that. The belts were all renewed last month and are fine.

[Kace]

It's definitely the alternator. Check out this thread http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10056 and do the test to remove negative terminal from battery when car is started. If it dies it confirms alternator issue.

[boru]

Thanks Kace for that thread. OK, did the 'remove neg from battery' test and engine cut out. So this confirms the alternator as at fault? Whats my best options now, fix, recon, or new. I really need to get back on the road asap. Thanks

[Kace]

I think you can buy a new alternator for the same price as a recon, so therefore I went for a new alternator. Read the other post for details of the sellers on eBay.

[boru]

Looking at that one on ebay, £89+del, is that the one you got Kace, have you fitted it yet?

[Kace]

Should be in the post now - I'll let you know. Postage to Ireland is pricey at £30 but it still works out the cheapest and I like the sound of a new unit.

[boru]

Decided to get my alternator reconditioned. What a job to get it out!!! Spent a couple of hours working at it on Thursday night, got the alt disconnected easily enough but couldn't get it out no matter what way I turned it even with the strut dropped. Then I read Jayod12b's post and had another go last night, this time I undid the engine mounting and pushed the hub and drive shaft forward. It was a sweet sweet feeling when I finally pulled it free. Thanks Jayod, great post.

[boru]

After being in for over a week for repair I was told that they could not source the part, so ordered new alternator off ebay on Monday night. Arrived today, so hopefully get it fitted tomorrow. Lucky enough weather-wise for the past couple of weeks as I had to take the bike to work, but looking forward to getting the car back on the road. Hopefully there's no problems when I fit this. How did you get on with your replacement Kace.

[Kace]

Got the new alternator installed (needless to say I did not attempt to install it myself) - working like a dream with constant 13.9V registered on the voltmeter now.

Happy days !

[mikel]

Hi im new on the site. Gettin grief from the altenator of my manual GR. Just wondering does anybody know if an altenator from a more popular mitsubishi fit the fto. E.g. a carisma one or a colt.

[boru]

This is who I bought from on ebay , no problems since.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MITSUBISHI-FTO-GR-ALTERNATOR-NEW-UNIT_W0QQitemZ150365730680QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item23027ef778&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

Definately cheap for alternator and running sweet so far.

[mikel]

I see dat. Its reasonable alrite but I h8 d hassle of buyin ova ebay nd posting nd all dat. I probly end up gettin it if nothin turns up where i can collect it in d next few days. cheers for d reply

[Bernard]

I see dat. Its reasonable alrite but I h8 d hassle of buyin ova ebay nd posting nd all dat. I probly end up gettin it if nothin turns up where i can collect it in d next few days. cheers for d reply

Welcome to the site, any chance of you avoiding text speak?
It's painful to read.