Buying a new alternator

  1. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 8
    #1
    My battery light has been on all day today when driving around. Checked the battery voltage when the engine was idling (about 2500 rpm) and it stayed at just above 12V so I'm guessing the alternator has had it. (I did a continuity test from the big wire to the +ve on the battery and there's no break in the circuit, and ther's continuity between the -ve battery terminal and the body of the alternator).

    I'm going to ring a couple of scrapyards tomorrow, will they ask for a part number to match it? If they do, which number is it on the alternator as there's several:

    2542308B, 38276160, CL7, 23860, S30/00?

    Or would it be best to take the old one off and take it to them so they can check it's the same (at the risk of them not having it, and me not having a car until I can find one)

    I think I'll be lucky to get an exact match. Is there a website that will tell me if a 106, Polo etc. alternator from the same year will fit?
  2. Regular Poster Joined: Dec 2009 Essex, Southend-on-sea Posts: 381 BMW 318 IS
    #2
    What model and year is your saxo?
  3. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 8
    #3
    Sorry I forgot to put that.

    It's a 2000 (X) plain old 1.1 forte.
  4. Infrequent Poster Joined: Jul 2009 Cirencester, Glos Posts: 108 MK2 Saxo VTS
    #4
    What is the out-put of the actual alternator ?, it should be at-least 14 + volts (I think its measured in Volts!) if it is less than 14 it will probably be the alternator. Most use full garages will be able to test the out-put of the batt and alternator to verify this before you go and lash out money on a new batt or alternator. You could also try and sand down both sides of the earthing loop that is connected to the alternator and also check the connection plug / wires that are connected from the car to the alternator for corrosion e.t.c. Hope this helps.
  5. Newbie Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 8
    #5
    Sorted.

    £20 from scrappy. Car they had was a similar age and even the same colour

    The ring connector broke though when I tried to take it off the old one, and when I tried to cut the wire on the new one. Had to strip the cable back and make a hoop to attach it

    Riding my bike back up the hill from the scrapyard with 2 alternators in a rucksack was hard work though.