Intermittent Battery Light

[devilmaycare]

Can anyone explain why official Chrysler service data appears to be at total variance with customer experiences; at least for alternator replacement? I will admit, though, that 0.5 hrs labour does seem a bit optimistic. The lengthiest item in the list is 1.8 hrs for water pump replacement, followed by starter motor at 1.3 hrs.

[matrix1975]

Originally Posted by devilmaycare

Can anyone explain why official Chrysler service data appears to be at total variance with customer experiences; at least for alternator replacement? I will admit, though, that 0.5 hrs labour does seem a bit optimistic. The lengthiest item in the list is 1.8 hrs for water pump replacement, followed by starter motor at 1.3 hrs.

I'm sure I was told Chrysler take the alternator out from underneath the car somehow. So maybe it is that quick if it comes out that way?? But even then it does still seem very optimistic.

Took me just under 3 hours to pull my alternator out today with coffee and phone calls interspersed. Then again - I'm not a mechanic - I'm a programmer.

Mine had a battery light a couple of times back in September. My battery is sound apparently. I've had no battery lights since but the voltages in EVIC are very erratic. It sat at 12.6v for ages on Sunday and then shot up and held at 15.2v. So, car was parked on drive and alternator pulled out this morning.

[Simon@thecustom300cshop]

Originally Posted by matrix1975

I'm sure I was told Chrysler take the alternator out from underneath the car somehow. So maybe it is that quick if it comes out that way?? But even then it does still seem very optimistic.

Took me just under 3 hours to pull my alternator out today with coffee and phone calls interspersed. Then again - I'm not a mechanic - I'm a programmer.

Mine had a battery light a couple of times back in September. My battery is sound apparently. I've had no battery lights since but the voltages in EVIC are very erratic. It sat at 12.6v for ages on Sunday and then shot up and held at 15.2v. So, car was parked on drive and alternator pulled out this morning.

If yours hasn't died completely you may get away with replacing the brush/regulator pack on the rear of it, just make sure you remove the old unit and inspect the copper armature and make sure it is intact on the end of the shaft. Any signs of flaking copper and its screwed.

[devilmaycare]

Originally Posted by matrix1975

Took me just under 3 hours to pull my alternator out today with coffee and phone calls interspersed. Then again - I'm not a mechanic - I'm a programmer.

At least you should be able to sort out your PC in much less time, after it crashes!

I wonder if MB, in their quest for hi-tech solutions, have ever considered brushless alternators? They do exist; used to be called magnetos years ago.

[matrix1975]

Originally Posted by Simon@thecustom300cshop

If yours hasn't died completely you may get away with replacing the brush/regulator pack on the rear of it, just make sure you remove the old unit and inspect the copper armature and make sure it is intact on the end of the shaft. Any signs of flaking copper and its screwed.

Yes, that's what was wrong with my first alternator which was replaced 18 months ago. The slip ring had a very tiny bit of copper missing. This alternator has always had a shield and I've regularly checked the fuel lines are not leaking at all, plus taken great care when changing the oil etc.

I want to pull this one apart without destroying the voltage regulator if its possible!

[Simon@thecustom300cshop]

Originally Posted by matrix1975

Yes, that's what was wrong with my first alternator which was replaced 18 months ago. The slip ring had a very tiny bit of copper missing. This alternator has always had a shield and I've regularly checked the fuel lines are not leaking at all, plus taken great care when changing the oil etc.

I want to pull this one apart without destroying the voltage regulator if its possible!

Was the alternator that was fitted 18mth ago done by a Chrysler dealer? If it was a genuine part it would still be under warranty.

[matrix1975]

Originally Posted by Simon@thecustom300cshop

Was the alternator that was fitted 18mth ago done by a Chrysler dealer? If it was a genuine part it would still be under warranty.

No, it was bought from a third party and was fitted by myself and Steve Gee. As far as I'm aware it was brand new and not a reconditioned unit. I assume it only had a 12 month warranty though.

[devilmaycare]

Originally Posted by matrix1975

The slip ring had a very tiny bit of copper missing.

How thick is the copper surface? I hope its more substantial than a thin plating. If it is the latter case, its no wonder they fail so easily.

[matrix1975]

Originally Posted by devilmaycare

How thick is the copper surface? I hope its more substantial than a thin plating. If it is the latter case, its no wonder they fail so easily.

No, unfortunately the copper plating is very very thin. So I don't imagine it does take much to start stripping it away.

[UK CHRYSLER 300C]

I can't help with cheap sh1t alternators but I can help with replacing it....in way less time than 18 hours...guaranteed....