Vauxhall Meriva (1.7cdti, 2005) Alternator failure at 62,000 miles

amorphic

Hello,

I had the classic burning/ humming alternator sound called the AA out and they diagnosed an alternator failure.

I have had a number of faults with this car over the years.

Is 62,000ish miles a bit too early for alternator failure?

Is there anything that can contribute to or cause premature alternator failure?

Regards,

A

passatrider

amorphic wrote: »

Hello,

I had the classic burning/ humming alternator sound called the AA out and they diagnosed an alternator failure.

I have had a number of faults with this car over the years.

Is 62,000ish miles a bit too early for alternator failure?

Is there anything that can contribute to or cause premature alternator failure?

Regards,

A

If it was under 3 years old and showing 62000K I'd say contact Vauxhall Customer Services and hope for some goodwill. However, 7
year old car you don't stand a chance.

My advice would be to pay and get it fixed..

banger9365

My Astra had it at 35k and Vauxhall paid 70% of the bill.
The car was five years old at the time.a few week ago when it happened and a full Vauxhall service history with one garage
In the end I only paid £100 for one at the dealer s fitted

vax2002

Get the crank pulley bearing checked as well, they can wear and vibrate causing the belt to wobble and wear the alternator.

StaffieTerrier

I had the alternator clutch pulley replaced on my 6 year old VW today. From inside the car it sounded like the engine bay was being shaken to bits. Outside the car there was an awful screeching noise. It sounds as sweet as a nut now.

amorphic

Thank you all for your replies.

I have an AA breakdown repair warranty that will cover the first £500 (minus a £25 excess) so it should be fine.

The garage have told me that both the alternator and battery test fine with them.
This despite the burning smell driving up a carpark gradient, a humming sound from the alternator at tick over and the battery charging up with one of the auto chargers from Argos but discharging in two days with no use.

The garage seem to think an auto electrician maybe required.

The mystery deepens.

I think the moral is don't buy Vauxhall cars ....
Honda if you have the cash or Hyundai or Kia if poorer like me.

lee678

This despite the burning smell driving up a carpark gradient,
clutch ?

ns1888

I have a Meriva 1.7cdti 2004, 65000 miles, last year the high pressure fuel pump went, £500 for a reconditioned one and put on a new timing belt as well in total £900 which was better than the £1300 vauxhall wanted, the starter motor went in January, £100 and now the alternator has gone £170. Touch wood surely nothing else can go wrong.

Notmyrealname

amorphic wrote: »

This despite the burning smell driving up a carpark gradient

That'll be the clutch burning because you can't drive.

wealdroam

amorphic wrote: »

I think the moral is don't buy Vauxhall cars.

Rather a sweeping generalisation.

I don't think Vauxhall make either alternators or batteries.

In fact, I'm pretty sure other makes of car use those things too.