FIAT DUCATO Alternator

Why do Fiat Ducato alternators often break down?

Working lifespan of the component can be significantly reduced due to a loose drive belt, frequent use of your car’s electric equipment, or incorrect connection of the car battery. Poor quality repair of elements of the unit also accelerates its wear. Apart from this, working properties of the device are impaired due to moisture, high temperature, and abrasive particles.

In order to avoid malfunctions, the car manufacturer recommends checking the elements of the unit every 25,000–30,000 kilometres. An average lifespan of the part is 150,000–160,000 kilometres.

How do I tell if the component is faulty on this car model?

In most cases, the sign of poor condition of the component is low voltage in the car electrical system. This is indicated by the dashboard warning light, which is continuously on, as well as by changed intensity of the headlights and other lights. Moreover, overcharging of the car battery can occur. All these are the symptoms of a worn or damaged voltage regulator, brushes, slip rings, diode bridge, and electric wires.

At the same time, mechanical damage of the bearing, belt drive, brush springs, or fasteners of the component’s housing is possible. In this case the component makes loud noise during operation.

Failure detection can be done properly by specialists of a car service station with the help of a special test bench.

What is the procedure of alternator replacement on Fiat Ducato?

Detailed steps for replacement are specified in the vehicle repair guide. To install a new component on this car model, do the following:

1. Remove the negative battery terminal.
2. Remove the engine cover and air filter.
3. Disconnect the air hose from the throttle unit and remove the crankcase ventilation hose from the air hose.
4. Remove the drive belt from the pulley.
5. Unscrew the alternator’s fasteners and remove the component from the engine bay.
6. Install a new component.
7. Reassemble in the reverse order.
8. Adjust the belt tension according to the car manufacturer’s recommendations.

Can I replace or repair an alternator myself?

To do this job, you need to have certain car repair skills. Moreover, special tools are required, for instance, a bearing driver tool. Before getting down to work, read your car’s repair manual. Also, watch video tutorials on YouTube.

What safety precautions should I follow when replacing an alternator on Fiat Ducato?

Observe the following rules:

• Do all repair steps only with the engine switched off and cooled down.
• Use the tools specified by the car manufacturer. They should be clean and in good working order.
• Before starting the repair, remove the negative terminal from the battery.
• Wear special working clothes with no elements that might get into rotating parts of the component, such as its pulley, or into the cooling fan blades.
• Use a cart with high sides for transporting the component.
• In the process of diagnosing, use a portable lamp of below 36 V; and when working in a service pit use the one below 12 V. The lighting device should be equipped with a safety mesh.
• Use goggles, mask, rubber gloves, and other individual protective gear.