Technical Alternator Replacement Twinair

[steg750]

I've embarked on replacing the faulty alternator. Finally got it out with the help of my son's small hands but that top bolt was a $%*& to remove. I also managed to pull the thin wire out of the crimp on the excitation contact plug (!) so not looking forward to sorting that. Trying to devise strategies involving a solder sleeve connection to splice in a longer wire. If that doesn't work then I'll remove the engine and do it on the bench.

Pretty tough job. Anyone got any tips for accessing the top bolt when reinstalling? I suspect that many have been replaced with just the 2 lower ones.

Thanks,

Iain

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Don't know about the TwinAir, but on the MJ diesel, you have to do it all from under the car on a lift, and need to remove an engine mount and partly lift the engine to get it out! It seems they assume the car will rot away before that alternator fails? By comparison, on my old 2005 1.2 4x4 (some years back) it was all easy to reach from over the top and the whole job took less than half an hour!

 

[Aleksandr80]

Hi. I had the experience of replacing the alternator with a Panda 4x4 TA, about 3 years ago . There were some difficulties with unscrewing the upper bolt and disconnecting the field winding wire. It took patience and thin fingers . The engine mount did not need to be dismantled. The alternator was removed from the side of the right wheel of the car without significant difficulties.

 

[Funky Spike]

Don't know about the TwinAir, but on the MJ diesel, you have to do it all from under the car on a lift, and need to remove an engine mount and partly lift the engine to get it out! It seems they assume the car will rot away before that alternator fails? By comparison, on my old 2005 1.2 4x4 (some years back) it was all easy to reach from over the top and the whole job took less than half an hour!

As much as I enjoy my TA I do miss that about my old 1.2 4x4, so much was DIYable.

Spike

 

[steg750]

I've embarked on replacing the faulty alternator. Finally got it out with the help of my son's small hands but that top bolt was a $%*& to remove. I also managed to pull the thin wire out of the crimp on the excitation contact plug (!) so not looking forward to sorting that. Trying to devise strategies involving a solder sleeve connection to splice in a longer wire. If that doesn't work then I'll remove the engine and do it on the bench.

Pretty tough job. Anyone got any tips for accessing the top bolt when reinstalling? I suspect that many have been replaced with just the 2 lower ones.

Thanks,

Iain

Thanks for all the replies. Replacement alternator sourced so I’m about to embark on the refit along with rewiring the single wire plug - I sourced a ford transit one which fits. Now I just have to get my big hands in there…

Iain

 

[Panda IIs]

Don't you do it through the RHS wheel arch? Have you seen this? https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/fiat-500-alternator-removal.433032/page-2

 

[steg750]

Don't you do it through the RHS wheel arch? Have you seen this? https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/fiat-500-alternator-removal.433032/page-2

Thank you I saw that one. Still pretty fiddly though. Hoping to get it done this weekend.

 

[steg750]

I got the alternator replaced in a couple of hours. Definitely not a simple job but all do-able through the offside wheel arch or underneath, with the car on a couple of axle stands. All fine now. That top bolt though ......

 

[Multipla156]

Thanks for all the replies. Replacement alternator sourced so I’m about to embark on the refit along with rewiring the single wire plug - I sourced a ford transit one which fits. Now I just have to get my big hands in there…

Iain

Hi Iain
Very interested to hear about the plug you sourced for the alternator. Our local garage says the connector to the alternator needs replacing on our T/A so i'm trying to source the right one. Any chance you could point me in the direction of which one you sourced? Is there more than one connection / plug however?

Thanks

Chris

 

[steg750]

Chris,
This is the one I bought. I think it was for a ford transit but is a perfect fit for the TA alternator.

EMSea 2 Pin Alternator Repair Plug Harness Connector Alternator Plug Wire Connector Alternator Wire Harness Repair PL13-WL1 4D0971992 with 15cm Lead Compatible with Ford Transit : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Buy EMSea 2 Pin Alternator Repair Plug Harness Connector Alternator Plug Wire Connector Alternator Wire Harness Repair PL13-WL1 4D0971992 with 15cm Lead Compatible with Ford Transit at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.

amzn.eu

Cheers,
Iain

 

[steg750]

Chris,
This is the one I bought. I think it was for a ford transit but is a perfect fit for the TA alternator.

EMSea 2 Pin Alternator Repair Plug Harness Connector Alternator Plug Wire Connector Alternator Wire Harness Repair PL13-WL1 4D0971992 with 15cm Lead Compatible with Ford Transit : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Buy EMSea 2 Pin Alternator Repair Plug Harness Connector Alternator Plug Wire Connector Alternator Wire Harness Repair PL13-WL1 4D0971992 with 15cm Lead Compatible with Ford Transit at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.

amzn.eu

Cheers,
Iain

I used a solder sleeve and some adhesive heatshrink tubing to splice it into the existing wiring.

 

[Multipla156]

I used a solder sleeve and some adhesive heatshrink tubing to splice it into the existing wiring.

Thank very much indeed - much apprecated!
Chris

 

[steg750]

Thank very much indeed - much apprecated!
Chris

No problem. Let me know how you get on.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Thanks for all the replies. Replacement alternator sourced so I’m about to embark on the refit along with rewiring the single wire plug - I sourced a ford transit one which fits. Now I just have to get my big hands in there…

Iain

Good luck. I had to ge tmy Mrs to fit a spot l;ight into a ceiling this week but no way would she get involved with alternators.

 

[Steveetee55]

Have look at my twin air oil cooler removal guide, the alternator had to be removed to get to its no mega difficult, just fiddly in limited space and the top bolt is a git to get at

 

[Multipla156]

No problem. Let me know how you get on.

Delighted to say that car is fixed - thanks again for the tip off for the transit alternator plug / connector. Local garage certainly learnt something too. Brilliant!
Cheers

Chris

 

[steg750]

Delighted to say that car is fixed - thanks again for the tip off for the transit alternator plug / connector. Local garage certainly learnt something too. Brilliant!
Cheers

Chris

Nice one. Glad to hear it!

 

[Steveetee55]

Delighted to say that car is fixed - thanks again for the tip off for the transit alternator plug / connector. Local garage certainly learnt something too. Brilliant!
Cheers

Chris

Happy bunny now