Technical Multipla JTD - Alternator lifecycle?

[pmcgurk]

So, I've had my 51-plate ugly bug 110 JTD SX (with aircon, thank G!) for almost 2 years now, bought it for a song from a non-franchised dealer (high mileage).

Car was brilliant for the first year+ but now that I'm over 100K miles it's starting to show some wear. Brought it in for the recall (springs) on the JTDs that came out a few months back, to learn the suspension was well worn - new arms and droplinks and £300 lighter, then within a month or so the main drive/alternator belt starts to loosen, eventually comes off, and I'm faced with replacing belt, main engine pulley (fell clean off and came to rest in the compartment), camshaft belt cover (aux belt had worn a hole in it!) and a few other bits. Another £450 (oof) mostly labour this time.

Still, I love the car and guess I have to acknowledge that 100K miles will mean this kind of thing. Today the dealer tells me the alternator is knackered - £230 all up fitted for a new one, which seems a bit high, but I'm not too handy myself so am going ahead. Couple of questions:

1. What's typical lifetime for an alternator? I guess 100K miles isn't bad..
2. Am I being shafted at £230 for a replacement, fitted, inc. VAT at main dealer?
3. What's going to go next? What can I expect to get out of the clutch, for example?

Cheers
Peter

 

[T14086]

Hi peter:wave:

£230 is a very good price,the alternator is a nightmare to get out/refit(driveshaft out job)your not getting ripped off.

 

[tuba]

I know this is an old thread but this may be a safety issue. My 2000 JTD ELX Multipla's alternator pulley shaft has just sheared off in the same way after 88,000 miles. The same belt operates the aircon and power steering. I noticed an intermittent slight squeak coming from the driver's-side engine compartment the previous day, but nothing too alarming.

Fiat should take note, because if I had not been travelling in a straight line at the time, the sudden loss of power-steering would have put me into the nearest tree or, worse, oncoming traffic. Try turning the wheel with the ignition on and engine off (and stationary!) to see what I mean; you will have to take my word for it that it is not much easier when you are moving.

Incidentally, in order to remove the bits and replace the alternator and belts, the garage had to dismantle part of the suspension assembly - cost £440 including parts.

 

[T14086]

Your post could refer to any make of car not just Fiats.

 

[tuba]

Your post could refer to any make of car not just Fiats.

This is true, however of all of the cars I have owned and driven (only one prior to the Multipla was a Fiat), I have never once had a catastrophic failure of an alternator and shaft and yet now am aware of at least one other occurrence in the same model. I assume you do not think this is a common fault with modern cars.

The point is that the Multipla, because of it's steering geometry and wide track, is extremely difficult to steer if the power steering fails. My post is intended to be helpful rather than unduly critical. I am still a fan of the car because of the brilliant design, driveability and comfort, but my patience (and wallet) is wearing a little thin with my car's electrical and mechanical problems. Let's hope it is not a typical example.

 

[T14086]

All cars are capable of losing power steering (my mondeo done it going around a roundabout!) wether due to charging fault(elec steering models) belt breakage or mechanical failure.........as all cars are capable of losing brakes/electrics etc.

I understand what you are saying but I wouldn't say its a common thing,why not start up a poll & see?

Multiplas are good cars & of all Fiats probably rarest in workshop (compared to numbers sold etc) although mareas are seldom seen but when the are its normally a huge repair bill that often ends with car being towed to Fiat heaven.The multipla will definately become a future classic