its_dunks
So, I got the power failure message and the mechanic says the alternator isn’t charging. I’ve read a few articles and watched some vids online about a loose bolt in the gear which charges the alternator, have many people found this to be an issue and how hard is it for a novice to remove the manifold and have a go at this?
timbo
The alternator on these 6cylinders is driven via a rubber coupling with a sprag/overrun clutch, which has probably failed, which then allows the bolt to undo itself.
You need to replace the clutch, not just tighten the bolt.
It's probably not a job for a complete novice, as it's fairly tricky.
The geared accessory drive on these cars can also fail but it's less common and you would have issues with power steering and a/c too
its_dunks
Hummm, I’ve found some alternators online and eBay but would this clutch unit be on there too?
timbo
You won't need an alternator it's just not being spun at the moment, so it's not charging. I can get you the part number you need tomorrow it's late and im half asleep.
Pm me your vin to make sure I give you the right details
its_dunks
Thanks Tim, appreciate your help immensely
its_dunks
I’ve just replaced the alternator clutch and after a week the urgent power service message has reappeared. Does anyone have any other ideas?
egads
Battery been deep charged back to life? Can have killed a cell from deep discharge too
its_dunks
No it hasn’t, you think I should stick it on a charger overnight and see if it helps? I would be bloody stoked if that fixes it
Philia_Bear
Got a voltmeter you can use to check the voltage with?
its_dunks
No, I don’t have one but a friend might have one I could borrow so I’ll give that a go
its_dunks
Hi,
I got the battery tested and it's putting out 14.4 volts which i think should be enough, next step i'm guessing is the alternator could be faulty.. what do you think?
timbo
Double check that the clutch is actually spinning you should be able to see the alternator coupling with a decent torch.
Then you can test the alternator output with a multimeter
its_dunks
Hi Tim,
I checked and it seems the clutch is spinning, i even did the unconventional part of placing a twig on the clutch and belt to make sure i could feel it spinning... As mentioned the battery seems to be OK and the mechanic that replaced the clutch also (according to the bill) did an alternator test (charged $30 for that). Am i missing something obvious? i pulled the battery out and reconnected it just incase it was loose but all seems OK.
its_dunks
On another note, does anyone know what recourse (if any) i could have with a mechanic as the supposed oil leak which was fixed is not... noticed it leaking oil this afternoon (actually seems worse)
Philia_Bear
its_dunks;c-144462 wroteOn another note, does anyone know what recourse (if any) i could have with a mechanic as the supposed oil leak which was fixed is not... noticed it leaking oil this afternoon (actually seems worse)
What was the work done?
its_dunks
“Fixed” oil leak, replaced alternator clutch, tested alternator, replaced drive belt.. they were the main things he did
Philia_Bear
its_dunks;c-144464 wrote“Fixed” oil leak, replaced alternator clutch, tested alternator, replaced drive belt.. they were the main things he did
Yeah if he has just "fixed oil leak" then he needs to fix it
Smart people put down "replaced seal" or "coated in in rtv in vein hope it stops leaking"
its_dunks
I can have a look at the invoice when I’m in the office tomorrow and see if he said anything like that.
its_dunks
@Philia_Bear The invoice says he used a stop leak solution which he hasn't charged that much for. Main costing was the alternator clutch replacement and labor. The vehicle is still giving me the urgent power service error though. See attached image for info.
VolvoDeger
Interesting invoice engine seal stop leak, I would say alternator to me so what codes have been read out?