Alternator Switch

[Guest Alex]

I'm having problems with the alternator on my 2001 115 TDI auto not giving enough output when the air con is on leading eventually to a flat battery. I have the front and rear air con and it averages 35C where I am now

I see from my Haynes book that alternators are 70, 90 or 120 amp. I'll guess I have a 90, but I'll have to confirm later.

Are the Galaxy/Sharan alternators all the same size physically with the same fixings.

Assuming they would fit, are there any downside consequences to replacing a 90 amp unit with a 120 amp job. From experiences here, the on board computer seems very touchy if the alternator is fiddled with !!

 

I had similar air con /alternator problems in the past with a Peugeot 405. I switched the 55 Amp unit to a 70 amp one, which was physically identical and problem solved.

 

Any ideas out there.

 

 

Alex (in Cyprus right now)

[Guest Alex]

Alternator fitted is a 90 Amp.

 

Does anyone know why the change to 120 amp alternators was made???

[Justice]

I think it was changed for that reson, I just sold a high output alt to some one on another forum as he had the lower output one and he has fitted it with no problems.

[Guest vr6galaxy]

Take a look at ETKA, it gives a list of alternators and engine codes for each type, if your lucky it could just be a straight swap?

do you know the part number?

35C and your moaning! mind you I couldnt hack it :D to hot to work in, to hot to ride my bike in, but just right for sitting by the pool with a nice cool beer or two :D

[Sharanfx]

Alternators are only increased in size due to the electrical loading of the car. EG if its goy Climat control heated front seats, heated front screen etc.

 

I think my VR6 is fitted with a 150 amp alternator, probably because of the heated front screen.

[Guest vr6galaxy]

IIRC the VR6 can have either a 120A or a 150A alternator, mine I believe has the 120A as I dont yet have a heated screen! I still havent got round to getting one fitted! done all the wiring and fitted the switch and loom but still no screen :D I can see a stone on the horizon with my screen in it's site's :D

[katman]

I think my VR6 is fitted with a 150 amp alternator, probably because of the heated front screen.

Just thinking back to when I was at college and used to look through Haynes manuals in the library.

 

Most cars then seemed to have 43amp alternators with some bigger vehicles having a massive 70 amp alternator.

 

I was deeply jealous of anyone who had an alternator as my Mini only had a 22amp dynamo. (it also only had two fuses on the whole vehicle!)

 

How things have changed !!!!

 

Keith

[Justice]

Oh the simple days when at worst you had to put a set of points in to make it run and get an axesaw blade to set the plug gap,tighten the bolt on the steering box to take the slack out of the steering.

[Denis]

Sorry if this is a silly question but the a/c compressor is driven by the engine directly (via a belt), so how can the alternator rating be an issue?

[seatkid]

Sorry if this is a silly question but the a/c compressor is driven by the engine directly (via a belt), so how can the alternator rating be an issue?

:D Answer: It Isn't!

 

Alex has a fault or duff battery....lead acid batteries don't last very long in high temperature environments

[Guest vr6galaxy]

I would imagine that haveing both sets of AC on and trying to keep a reasonable cabin temperature in those temperatures! would make a rather large drain on the battery/alternator, plus having the wheel chair ramp and the associated electrics would add an even greater strain on the electrical system? it may be a duff or dieing battery? could be a cheaper option to swap it out for a higher capacity/load rateing version and then see how the alternator manages?

[Masked Marauder]

I have looked on the parts catalogue and all the mounting, cabling, drive-belts etc are the same regardless of the alternator fitted. From that point of view it appears to be a straight swap.

 

If you do though, you might want to consider a bigger battery too.

 

And don't believe the Haynes manual, your model has either a 90, 120 or 150 amp alternator.

[Guest Enzo]

I have looked on the parts catalogue and all the mounting, cabling, drive-belts etc are the same regardless of the alternator fitted.

I think the ones without AirCon dont have the seperate belt tensioner, so as long as you are trying to stick it on one with AirCon it should be okay.