Fault Code...Alternator

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MS46ler

MS46ler

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Hi, I'm newbie, just got my UDM 3 weeks ago, specialist recomended to do preventive maintenance, no choice, to reduce hassle and avoid towing, the followings have poke my pocket:-E46 318i 2.0 Yr021) Oil Cooler / Heat exchanger (Engine & Gbox) - 2 x 550 -11002) Timing sensor (bottom one) - 4003) Fuel pump - 5004) Fuel filter - 1505) Radiator - 7506) Radiator bracket - 2357) Termostat - 2308) Expansion tank - 2309) Battery Din 85 (Delkor) - 500 - Specialist said power supply more consistent. 10) Coolant - 2 x 30 - 6011) Engine diagnosis - FOCTotal: RM4155 Phew..B-Blow M-My W-WalletDiagnosis display fault code of alternator, specialist quoted 1.9k include labour. Project deferred next due to overbudget. Dear sifus, need your advise:-1) how long the alternator will last after fault code appearred?2) wat are the symptom to the car when alternator going to kaput?3) how much a recond unit cost, reliable or not, is warranty given, any recommended shop? Tx..:106:
 
where did you did the works.

Not sure whether E46 318 required 85 AH though.

When the fault code comes ON for the alternator, it means that the output from the alternator is not enough to charge the battery. try to get it to change or repair it ASAP or else you might not be able to start your car when your battery is flat. Try not to use the car at night as you will drain the battery faster.

Most alternator start to fail when the carbon brush start to wear off. Most recon alternator are repaired by changing the carbon brush.
 
Tx Jarance.

All works done at MSpeed, USJ. Btw, jus changing carbon brush could recover the alternator, guess the cost should be very much cheaper instead of buying a new unit, why pay additional for the skeleton.
 
MS46ler;425469 said:
Tx Jarance.

All works done at MSpeed, USJ. Btw, jus changing carbon brush could recover the alternator, guess the cost should be very much cheaper instead of buying a new unit, why pay additional for the skeleton.
Click to expand...

Usually that is the case. You wont know until you open the alternator. if you are unlucky, one of the rectifier bridge could be fried. Sometime,advise to change the bearings if it noisy.
 
The rectifier bridge is replaceable. BTW you donot have the replace all of them. Usually, one of the diode of the RB is open circuit. Any good wireman should be able to check for you.

I have seen people cannibalize an alternator for part for repair purposes.
 
Additional Information about the alternator.

How does your alternator work.
basically, it convert an Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) via a rectifier bridge.
The output voltage voltage will depends on the speed of the engine. Hence the faster the speed the higher the voltage.
The voltage regulator will regulate the voltage to within a limited for the proper charging of the battery. if this voltage is not regulated, the battery would be damaged due to overvoltage.

See pic below.

principleofalternator.jpg
 
Here is a picture of a rectifier bridge and the bearing for the alternator.

You may need to unsolder the RB out if you need to replace the RB.

alter02.jpg
 
Tx.

Very infomative. Mind to show a close look at the alternator component diagram.
 
Great, bro! good literature..

Jus little bit more request, da Borch diagram (wit Japanese wording one).

Tx.
 
MS46ler;426160 said:
Great, bro! good literature..

Jus little bit more request, da Borch diagram (wit Japanese wording one).

Tx.
Click to expand...

bro.. what information do you want?

I can only help if i know what you want to do with the information?

Are you planning to repair yourself? Do you have all the right tools?
 
Jus keen to know more and may try DIY if SOP not complicated.

Maybe I think way too easy, but wanna to solve the fault code ASAP b4 other thing stuck.

bro,u known well abt da alternator, thinking whether you can DIY for me!!
 
MS46ler;426317 said:
Jus keen to know more and may try DIY if SOP not complicated.

Maybe I think way too easy, but wanna to solve the fault code ASAP b4 other thing stuck.

bro,u known well abt da alternator, thinking whether you can DIY for me!!
Click to expand...

Good One bro.. DIY mean "DO It Yourself" and not done by others.. LOL:listen:

I dont mind to give a pointer here and there. There is alot info that can be gather from the internet.

DIY is easy if you have the basic knowledge about things. I get some of info by reading other comment but of course I have some experience opening thing apart and see how they works. Use to do it when I am only 7.

To do a good DIY, you must invest in a good set of tool and a lot of patience. i use to buy new tools when I am working on a new DIY job. Usually end paying more when compare to letting other repair it.
 
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