Good morning,

Since yesterday, the red battery light has come on. Weird sounds in the engine bay suspect a faulty alternator. Anyone have experience in replacing it yourself? There does not seem to be any space in the engine bay. Do I need to take the wheel off or can it be done without it? I am not afraid of grease on my hands, but I can not find a how to in Haynes of any other books ...

Best regards,



D.

This might help.



Basically slacken the auxiliary belt and unbolt alternator. The one filmed is a mess, service exchange is likely to be the best option.

Hi, txs. I wish I had that much space. Altarnatir is under airco pump. Do I approach it from under the car or from the top, dismanteling the A/C pump?

As you've already spotted, bit tight in there. You either take the aircon pump off and it's simpler, or undo engine mounts and the like.


I took one look and decided to pass it along. £200 fitted (ouch) but the new Denso unit was £150 from Eurocarparts (no exchange).


You get to an age where you figure you don't want to be laid on your back in freezing weather.

A miracle ... Started the car and no light .. I do not understand. What could it be that the battery light is on the whole trip? I parked the car, left it for a couple of hours, and after starting it, it runs fine / light free. What happened?

Drapu said:

A miracle ... Started the car and no light .. I do not understand. What could it be that the battery light is on the whole trip? I parked the car, left it for a couple of hours, and after starting it, it runs fine / light free. What happened?

Click to expand...

The battery is suffering from the cold? Swap it, to test it.. on my 60hp, no ac, i take the wheel off to access the alternator, sits with 3 bolts (of different sizes annoyingly)

Drapu said:

A miracle ... Started the car and no light .. I do not understand. What could it be that the battery light is on the whole trip? I parked the car, left it for a couple of hours, and after starting it, it runs fine / light free. What happened?

Click to expand...

Has the noise gone too? Was it screeching or grumbling noise?
Could have been damp/cold plus low battery, although noisy alternator usually means bearings on way out.
Must admit, last Panda alternator change was subbed out to someone younger and more flexible in exchange for some bits.

Hi, it was a more low grumbling noise. I have had that sounds sometimes popping up on a damp morning. It vanished after a few kms. The last few times the battery light came on, so I am afraid it will fail in the near future. I have made an appointment to change alternator and belt for this Monday. € 375 incl. VAT. To me that sounded as a good deal ...

it is easy to replace. work from underneath. you can swap it in about half an hour, maybe a little longer as its cold now
got a brand new denso unit from opie oils for like £70 or something and fitted it myself. job done.