Hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction. Over the last few mornings the has been a loud screech/rattle/squeal noise from what I thought was the alternator. I did the old turn the steering wheel test with the lights on and the lights do dim. This lead me to think the alternator is on its way out.

However I have been told the alternator either works or doesn't there's no in between? Is this true they reckon it it the fan belt? Anyone got any tips?

Are they easy to change and which is the more likely to be at fault. How much is it likely to cost.

My car is a Grande punto 1.3 diesel multijet.

Thanks

hi,
on the GP it's not uncommon for the alternator to struggle, where rainwater from the scuttle drains rinse all the bearings dry.., worth just adjusting the belt 1st though,
Charlie

Is it easy to adjust the belt? Any guides? Cheers

maybe ask / SEARCH in the panda section, as it's a common engine on those.

Belt is auto-adjusted you can't do something about it, only replace it if it's slipping. (High pitched squealing noise)

1)if it's slipping cause the belt's old replace it.

If it's actually slipping because alternators' bearings gone making the pulley hard to turn ( you can check by hand if you remove the belt it's very easy job) you have to replace alternator.

2) If the belt isn't slipping check voltage output @ idle / normal= ~14v

welshy0007 said:

However I have been told the alternator either works or doesn't there's no in between? Is this true they reckon it it the fan belt? Anyone got any tips?

Click to expand...

Not true. alternators' output performance may be reduced.

Ok 1.3 mjet "fan belt" is called auxiliary belt. (Fan is not connected to the engine pulley it's electronic controlled)

Great I will change the belt anyway first. Hopefully it's just that. Hasn't been changed since I've had the car about a year n half
Cheers

Also check battery and earth strap

Not sure if it could be linked but on a cold morning I get a warning saying excess radiator temperature please stop car. Which it can't be hot as its about 12degrees

Thanks

Voltage issue need tests done see FAQ section

Voltage issue need tests done see FAQ section and known faults

You may be able to temporarily cure the belt screech with belt dressing.

http://www.beal.org.uk/lubrication-cleaning/aerosols/belt-dressing-aerosol/spray-400ml-/prod_3092.html

Today the battery light flashed on for a second twice! Not sure if it's linked thanks

"Battery light" actually means alternator not charging at all. So it's linked yes.

Thanks for all the help
Turns out it's the alternator flywheel clutch that was on its way out