Hello All!

At the beginning of April I had issues with my Fiat Grande 2008 not starting. I took it to a local garage and they said the starting motor was sticking, so they replaced it. The car has started first time ever since which is great.

However, I now have the battery light on my dash and a really whining noise. The noise tends to go really quiet or disappear when my foot is off the accelerator, however if I’m travelling at 20mph+ then it’s quite a high pitched whine.
My power steering has also gone, but not permanently it’s just being temperamental. This has only started since the battery light has been on.

I’ve had a look under the bonnet with my dad and the air conditioning pump looks like it’s on top of the alternator - sorry if I’m wrong!! And if that’s the case that the air conditioning pump is on top, then the belt looks fine on the alternator.

Can anyone offer any advice please?

They all share the same (accessory) belt, the thing is that on UK cars the alternator is exposed to water driping from the windshield gutter (bad design) and can potentially get seized. You'd need to make some changes to water collection device to avoid this happening. The alternator itself might be salvaged with a can (maybe two) of WD40 ...
BTW, it IS located underneath the AC compressor ...

Tell us how you get on ...

BRs, Bernie

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Re the above post, and water dripping onto the alternator :
Quote " You'd need to make some changes to water collection device to avoid this happening."

Could you elaborate on what modifications you are referring to ?

I have recently had battery light/ power steering issues etc, and it was finally sorted by getting a new alternator fitted.

If I can prevent any further problems re the alternator I would be grateful

There is a modified part that exists for RHD cars; you can also DIY with a piece of plastic hose and a glue gun.
Open the bonnet and poor water has if it was raining and watch how it is evacuated from the gutter at driver side (near alternator) and you'll understand what to do ... You will have to remove the wipers and the plastic that covers the mechanism to access the rubber culprit.

BRs, Bernie

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hi
i am also facing the same problem but intermittenly
the other day i bring to workshop but unfortunately the problem gone.
now it come back again, still intermittent, turn on/off the engine sometime solve the problem.

so what could it be? loose connection? and where is alternator? a photo would help.

thanks

what car model ?

Bernievarian said:

what car model ?

Click to expand...

Grande 2007 1.4L 8v

Several posibilities:
1. Check all the cables to the battery and car body/engine. They tend to corrode.
2. How old is the battery.
3. Could be the alternator - get that tested

Also do you have the revised scuttle drain fitted?

DGPunto said:

Several posibilities:
1. Check all the cables to the battery and car body/engine. They tend to corrode.
2. How old is the battery.
3. Could be the alternator - get that tested

Also do you have the revised scuttle drain fitted?

Click to expand...

1. ok going to check this.
2. battery still ok. about 5months old
4. alternator still ok. tested when i visit the workshop.
5. what is "the revised scuttle drain fitted". where is this thing located?

Hi All,
Sorry I haven't replied - not quite sure how to use forums but I'm giving it a shot.

In the end my alternator completely died and I had to replace it. The car has been completely fine ever since.
Shortly after writing my initial post, my car wouldn't turn back on and was making a cranking noise, the lights were flickering like crazy, radio wasn't working, all the lights were lit up on the dash etc.

Was a quick but expensive fix. Thanks for all your input

Thanks for the update, have you checked the drain to avoid this happening again ??

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)

Was going to say that it was definitely an alternator issue. I had the exact same problem a few months ago with all the same symptoms yours was showing, went to the mechanic and turned out my alternator had a giant crack somehow!

Glad you got your car fixed

Hi Bernie,

What is the drain sorry?
I'm a complete novice - I know how to check the oil and change a tyre but that's about it!

Thanks, Andie

Yes mine was a big crack in the alternator also... bloody things!
Glad you got yours sorted

That's officialy called scutle drain, there have been an upgrade to replace this one to avoid water dripping into the alternator, get seized in winter and possibly cracking the body …
Ask your favorite stealer or google it !

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)

The revised scuttle drain pipe is angled - see here: Clicky

The existing one is short and straight and sits under the driver's side of the scuttle above the alternator, below the windscreen wipers. When you pull out the old one you'll see how the new one has to push in - there's a sort of rubber flange around it. Sometimes it takes a little washing up liquid/WD40 to ease the new one into place. Angle it across the car towards the passenger side so the water drains down without leaking onto your alternator

Nice one !!

@ any moderator : Should be marked as sticky !!

BRs, Bernie

On my Wife's Grande Punto the steering would occasional not operate. Changed the battery and it was sorted. Battery was almost Goosed.

Thanks for the update !!

Has this battery replacement just been done or was it a while ago so we can rule-out a bad charging circuit ??

BRs, Bernie

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