Alternator problem

[Knaus]

Hi

 

Just had new cambelt and alternator belts replaced. First time I took 'van out battery warning light stays on.

Took back to garage where they checked it out and found it wasn't charging. They say they have checked the fuses.

 

They say need new alternator. Just paid out £341 for cambelts etc. Now they want another £260 for alternator £60 labour + vat.

 

Could they have damaged the alternator?

 

'van has only done 14,500 miles and is six years old in June.

 

What do you think?

[euroserv]

Hello,

 

First I would question the price of the alternator because Euro Car Parts have prices on their website of £145 for a 120A and £185 for a 90A (exchange) including VAT for Lucas items.

 

The garage would have to have been very careless indeed to damage your alternator while doing the cam belt job, but there is still a possibility of a damaged terminal.

 

I think that it is sufficiently coincidental that this has failed at the same time, so I would recommend taking the vehicle to another garage and ask them what they think. If you just give it back to wherever you have already been and hand over your money you may never really know what happened. Another garage should be able to have a look for a modest charge and may prove to be cheaper given the prices above (which they will get a discount on).

 

Also, the garage should be able to get your alternator reconditioned within a day or so if this is convenient. It will save you even more money, and will guarantee that you get exactly the same unit as was originally fitted. Our local specialist charges between £60 and 80 for repairs.

 

Nick

[Guest peter]

Check auxilliary belt is really tight as it will slip if it isn't. They may not have fitted the belt properly as it's a rela pig to adjust the tension. That's a rip off price for an alternator. Try these people http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/ £138.00 for a 2006 Ducato 2.3 110 amp alternator and no exchange. Just put your Reg' No in and it will find the one you need.

[winchman]

If the alternator is ran with out the wires conected this will ruin it, as will a bad earth on the engine.

I feel the price is well over the top.

Pop in to a local back street garage and ask who overhauls alternators, you will have some one local who can easily repair it, its not rocket science.

But it was working when it went i to the garage so I feel a trip to citizens advice is in order.