General Grande Alternator problem

[wrightyy]

Hi guys, basically my mums 56 plate grande is just eating up alternators.. Its had 3 fitted in the past 18 months and looking like its going to need another :bang:
It makes sort of a high pitch whirring noise at all times, the car runs perfectly fine otherwise. Another thing that shes noticed is the odometer flashes but stops when the button is pressed on the end of the indicator stalk... Oh and clock has moved 3 minutes forward. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thankss

 

[Andy Monty]

When you park is your car usually slightly nose down? E.g. on your drive or at work...


There is an issue where the windscreen water drain dumps water onto the alternator which they really do not like........

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/313668-water-dripping-into-engine.html

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/257193-frozen-alternator-leading-snapped-belt.html

If it's not got air con the garage could have over tightened the belt

 

[wrightyy]

Yes it is actually. Great thanks for those, should be a big help! Ive just been out and looked.. really suprised how open the top of the alternator is

 

[Andy Monty]

Yes it is actually. Great thanks for those, should be a big help! Ive just been out and looked.. really suprised how open the top of the alternator is

Silly check use a watering can and trickle water over the screen and watch where the water lands

So new water drain

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=170972599274&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=68915568870

BUT use that Listed part number and ask the parts department at stoneacre for a price others have only paid a fiver at the dealers

They are open to aid cooling but think fiat research and development dropped a clanger

 

[wrightyy]

Yep thats exactly what ive just done, i can see what you mean now by parking it on a slope! Ill give them a ring in the morning
The alternator is already making a bad noise tho, do you think itll still need replacing or could it possibly dry out?
Thanks again

 

[Andy Monty]

Well it's been dry most of the day in Goole

Can't harm to try

the flashing mileage occurred since the noise started? It can be a early sign of a charging fault or battery.... (voltage issue upsetting the can network)

Is the current alternator still under any warranty? I'd keep quiet about the water issue and see if the work the garage has done is covered usually it's twelve months on parts...


Then change the drain yourself

 

[wrightyy]

Aha right, not too far from us then Yeah pretty sure they both started around the same time. Just hope it dries out then
I think it is yes but the garage we use said they can't really just keep replacing them under warranty without looking into it further and stuff..

 

[Andy Monty]

Aha right, not too far from us then Yeah pretty sure they both started around the same time. Just hope it dries out then
I think it is yes but the garage we use said they can't really just keep replacing them under warranty without looking into it further and stuff..

The garage should search the forum

They fitted it without doing the remedial work (fit new £5 drain)


This is where a few issues crop up seen it a few times lately what you "save" by not going to a fiat specialist / dealership can often bite you on the backside as SOME have much better knowledge of the particular cars than Mr Smith the mechanic near the steel works.......... (and if its 1st car that idiot likes his hammerite to seal leaking sumps :bang: :bang( if only i knew then what i know now))

 

[wrightyy]

Suppose so, think ill fit the drain and give it a week to dry the alternator out
Yeah your're right there. it hasn't cost us too much yet just the hastle of it all really. ha, sounds like you've had a bad experience there...

 

[Andy Monty]

Suppose so, think ill fit the drain and give it a week to dry the alternator out
Yeah your're right there. it hasn't cost us too much yet just the hastle of it all really. ha, sounds like you've had a bad experience there...

Scunthorpe.... Walked out of show room "sit down sir you can be in that car for £xxx a month over xx months...... "whats the APR on that?" That doesn't matter Its £XXX a month.......

(Third time of asking i walked out)


Doncaster tried telling me my 2 front tyres were illegal on the 2nd service..... there was still 3+mm on them even on the edge (we had a "debate" about that :devil:


Worksop....


https://www.fiatforum.com/garages/282154-stoneacre-worksop-fiat-first-service-experience.html

 

[wrightyy]

Wow not good then. Scunthorpe sound way too pushy and just want your signature!
So you haven't been back since then..?

 

[Andy Monty]

Wow not good then. Scunthorpe sound way too pushy and just want your signature!
So you haven't been back since then..?

Not a chance in hell if i need anything doing im been drawn towards Monks Cross at York SG petch was the ONLY dealership round here to give me the correct (backed up by fiat live chat) advice over servicing!

i contacted

Stoneacre worksop (well they contacted me) £200 ish
The one in Pickering £400+ for a service :nutter:
Jordans at Hull not too bad they advised a minor service but still £100+




SG petch "well going by your mileage and usage she asked more questions in 30 seconds than any other and gave me clear advice regarding the warranty with no B/S


Oh and the one at Harrogate tried to rob my sister on her "1st" service with her 500.... fortunately big brother was on the end of the phone

 

[wrightyy]

Ah right. At least theres somewhere decent you trust

Do you reckon the alternator will need replacing then, even once ive changed this drain pipe?

 

[Andy Monty]

Yes if water has got into the bearings is probably washed out the grease.. it might be repairable by a decent auto electrician / motor repair firm if the bearings used on it are a standard size but I'm not 100% sure

 

[wrightyy]

Ah yeah. Thanks for your help mate