Alternator query

[nitindangoria]

Hi,

I need help from someone who's experienced in car electricals. My Uno's alternator failed on the highway, very soon after I switched on the AC. Smoke started coming in from the AC vents and before I could realise what was happening the car stalled.
I am just curious as to why this happened, and that too, in the middle of nowhere. I am very possessive about my Uno and never in my wildest dreams imagined that my car would stall on the highway.
The local electrician said either the AC compressor may have been jammed, thereby causing extra load on the alternator. Or the fan belt could have been tightened a bit more than required.
My car has done only 20,000 miles and I'm shocked that the alternator has given me such little service.
Hoping to hear from you. Thanks in advance.

 

[a1ant]

Hello, and WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!

The advice you were given is correct. If the belt was too tight, then this could have been putting extra strain on the alternator and the AC compressor causing their bearings to heat up and eventually seize. This would probably of then resulted in the drive belt sticking and heating up probably resulting in the smoke that you saw. As you say, both the alternator and AC compressor should last much longer than 20k miles, but if the belt was too tight then it would cause premature failure.

Hope that helps,
Alan

 

[nitindangoria]

Thanks very much a1ant for your reply. Looks as if I will have to proceed against the garage for tightening the belt beyond prescribed limits and making a mess of my car.