Disconnecting alternator for diagnosis

[ukmastiff]

Lo all, spring is nearly here and I need to sort the 'engine wont turn off' problem.

I have been told to disconnect the alternator to rule out a faulty one. Also to remove the rear demister relay so i need to conform where that is to. I'm assuming its in the box under the bonnet with the DME but the guide isn't clear.

Can someone please tell me the easiest way to get to the alternator with a view to removing the lead rather than removing the alternator.

Suprisingly Google didn't throw up any obvious guide , just lots of talk about why you would or wouldn't change your alternator.

Regards

Mas

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Hi Mas
Do you have the undertray still fitted? As its easier to get at without!
There is a cover over it where the cooling ducting meets it and the terminals are under there.

 

[ukmastiff]

Mike i dont have under trays on ny of my cars i bloomon hate them
If i jack the car up is it fairly obvious then ? Im not at all sure what ' the coolong duct '
Will look like underneath.

Cheers

Mas

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Yes - should be pretty obvious. Alternator should have a 2" flexi hose leading to the rear of the alternator, which has a cowl on it, cant remember exactly how the cowl is fitted, think 3 8mm nuts on studs around the outside. Take these off and underneath you will see the terminals, REMOVE THE BATTERY TERMINALS first, then take the the live off and make sure its taped and cant touch anything, before doing your testing.

 

[ukmastiff]

Ta ill have a go. Im fine with elecrricity just not very expert on cars sadly.
Jacking up the car will be the worst bit, as you know our cars are so bloomin low

Cheers

Mas

 

[JamesO]

The alternator can be a bit of a pig if you have an air con compressor still.

 

[George Elliott]

As described Mas, its not an easy check. Recently been there.

BATTERY TERMINAL OFF

The under tray needs to be off
Remove Air Box
then hard pipe to throttle body
then AFM & J Pipe
release belt tension to alternator & A/C pump (next to Front ARB)
from above access the main 19mm AF bolt head (under water pipe / front chassis brace)
From below again, remove the bolt above the A/C pump, the nut head faces rear of car (keep it this way at reassembly)[8|] you will see why
From above, If you can compress the top hose and pull the main bolt back (its a pig) but can be done, you will have the Alternator unit free except for Wires
Then remove the 3 nuts from the 4 studs - M4 thd, and the spiral duct if necessary (I think it can stay attached to the plastic cover for your test)
Then you will see / access electrical connections.
There is a gasket on this but it will be shot, and its not important unless in Arizona

Get a good torch
Allow 4 hours

Good luck
George
944t

 

[Cater_Racer]

Isn't there some kind of problem running alternators without a load????

 

[ukmastiff]

MM, I dont like the sound of that . On an MG ZT you just take the bloomin wire off ! , I may have to get help on this one.
Thnaks for the instructions frightening though they are [&o]
Mas

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Sorry Mas - forgetting you had a Turbo - N/A is a lot easier!

 

[ukmastiff]

Id say whats the good news but clearly there isnt any [8|]