Signs of a sick alternator?

[anxious]

Peace to everyone. Whilst I still can participate in the forum , I would be obliged for your opinion/experience/comments on my query. Since getting the car(E36 325) back from the mechanic, I notice that almost every morning when I start the car and drive away, I can hear a buzzing noise....sounds like a motor...it last for about 10mins or so and goes off after that. Could it be the alternator. What are the signs of a sick/faulty alternator? How much does it could to replace? The last thing I want is get stranded somewhere. Thanks.

 

[moots]

sick alternator:
(possible causes)
1. battery weak/dead
2. batt light instrument cluster lights up/flickers/dimly light up

go chk the carbon brushes/voltage regulator assy.it can be replaced separately

 

[anxious]

I mean does a failing alternator make any sound/noise?

I think you could say the alternator whines.

 

[anaksarawak]

Belting... our car have many of them.. old belt may cause the sound. Normally when it is warm the belt soften and sound is gone.

 

[K.M.]

Yes, altermator does make buzzing or whinning noise. You can ask your mech to change the bearing but it will only last for a while before its completely gone.
Mine last only for 3 months after changed the bearing.

 

[Zoggee]

Anxiuos ,
The only way to know is by checking the altenator by using a Voltage gauge with amperes output.

other then that...please look at our old friend Mr.Moot rplies.

the mechanics shud have the volt meter.


as for the buzzing sound,I think it's ur fan clutch.

 

[sesat88]

the bee.. the bee.. the bee........

aaaah... there the infamous bee sounding buss yet again.....

u should go check you fuel pump...

 

[Lionel_Koh]

the bee.. the bee.. the bee........

aaaah... there the infamous bee sounding buss yet again.....

u should go check you fuel pump...

just about to say tat ...hehehheh ...u lagi cepat .....

add infor ....after start ur car ...go to the rear seat and hear either sound is from ur driver side at the rear....if yes ..then better careful .....

 

[anxious]

All these sounds..driving me crazy. Thats what u get driving around with the stereo off, trying to pick up every sound.

Next project, get a kick ass sound system and drown out all the sounds!

Thanks for ur comments guys.

 

[flash]

All these sounds..driving me crazy. Thats what u get driving around with the stereo off, trying to pick up every sound.

Next project, get a kick ass sound system and drown out all the sounds!

Thanks for ur comments guys.

You should count yourself lucky. I am using a PV6 as my daily driver... in addition to the carcophony of sounds coming from the engine, I am getting an orchestra from the squeaking seats, rattling dashboards and doors, crashing suspension, whining sounds from bearings in the engine compartment, drumming sounds from the tyres and from within the engine... oh, and the stereo cannot drown out the orchestra.

That is why it makes it so satisfying when I use my SLOTH for the weekends.

Well, take your time in eradicating the sounds... me tried with my ex-E36 and I gave up.

 

[teejay]

Peace to everyone.

Whilst I still can participate in the forum , I would be obliged for your opinion/experience/comments on my query.

Since getting the car(E36 325) back from the mechanic, I notice that almost every morning when I start the car and drive away, I can hear a buzzing noise....sounds like a motor...it last for about 10mins or so and goes off after that.

Could it be the alternator. What are the signs of a sick/faulty alternator?

How much does it could to replace?

The last thing I want is get stranded somewhere.

Thanks.

care to tell us what the mech did to your car recently?
1.whining noise COULD be due to overly tighten belts
2. have you recently hit flood waters? belts absorb moisture ,it could be it
3. whining noise coming from the stereo or from mechanical parts of the car?
4.whining noise from the fuel pump will stay on, unless you have a faulty fuel regulator, which will cause hard starting in the mornings and thus extra pumping of the fuel pump
5.lastly it could also be due to failing a/c consensor, the magnetic clutch may bestarting to have loose bearings, or someone changed it without your knowledge
6. another remote possibility , your vanos unit is starting to dig its own grave, low pressure and oil starvation eating away the vanos internals
7.very likely, your water pump is on its way down-cold water is more resistant to flow movement compared to warm water......

 

[anxious]

Thanks Teejay,

That gives me a lot to worry about.

Anyway I'll have a look at my a/c condensor soon as I doubt the previous owner bothered to service the a/c.

Alhough I have a low mileage car,the neglect by the previous owner must have taken a toll.

Having said that, at least I am enjoying my ride and really look forward to my journey to and from work. I cant wait for the weekends esp the outstaion trips. In fact I even look forward to the obligatory monthly drives to Ipoh to visit the mom in law.

As for the mech, well he is the BMW specilist here in Pg where most people go to. His approach seems to be more peacemeal rather than wholistic but there really isnt much choice in Pg, so in the kingdom of the blind , the one eyed man is king.

 

[sesat88]

All these sounds..driving me crazy. Thats what u get driving around with the stereo off, trying to pick up every sound.

Next project, get a kick ass sound system and drown out all the sounds!

Thanks for ur comments guys.

kick ass sound system to drown out the sound = car get drown and die

 

[8080pbmw]

All these sounds..driving me crazy. Thats what u get driving around with the stereo off, trying to pick up every sound.

Next project, get a kick ass sound system and drown out all the sounds!

Thanks for ur comments guys.

Kick Ass ICE will set you back big $$$.

I am going to sort out my alternator too. noise sounds like worn out bearing. but our mechanic said can not rebuilt. only choice is to change used / new alternator.

Anyway, it still functioning as I have a volt meter to confirm.

 

[Zoggee]

best thing to avoid the crazy sounds coming fromur car IS....

sell it .

you have to indulge yourself in DIY dude.

heheheee....

 

[teejay]

best thing to avoid the crazy sounds coming fromur car IS....

sell it .

you have to indulge yourself in DIY dude.

heheheee....

then yoy better sell yours BIG time, coz i can hear the noise when you log in the forum......niamah

 

[Zoggee]

then yoy better sell yours BIG time, coz i can hear the noise when you log in the forum......niamah

I am selling mine.

 

[Lee36328]

care to tell us what the mech did to your car recently?
1.whining noise COULD be due to overly tighten belts
2. have you recently hit flood waters? belts absorb moisture ,it could be it
3. whining noise coming from the stereo or from mechanical parts of the car?
4.whining noise from the fuel pump will stay on, unless you have a faulty fuel regulator, which will cause hard starting in the mornings and thus extra pumping of the fuel pump
5.lastly it could also be due to failing a/c consensor, the magnetic clutch may bestarting to have loose bearings, or someone changed it without your knowledge
6. another remote possibility , your vanos unit is starting to dig its own grave, low pressure and oil starvation eating away the vanos internals
7.very likely, your water pump is on its way down-cold water is more resistant to flow movement compared to warm water......

To which, if I may add,

8. whining noise from owner distressed by overlooked compression test oversight from trusted mechanic and by previous owner unpropitious to footing the top overhaul bill.

I jest, I jest.

Try this. Does the noise change when you turn the steering to the max left or right?

 

[teejay]

add more salt......

9. you didn't eat breakfast properly, so your stomach gastic juices mixed with your empty stomach salivated juices is the one transmitting the whining noise into the engine comparment......

10. you ate too much nasi lemak for the past few days,in the morning and the gases emitted by the reaction of coconut cream and stomach enzymes induce further gastritic juices to cause a steady whinning noise, but actually vibration came from your fat belly......



- check your aircond fan it may just need some WD40 after a cool nite, moisture does get trapped and.......... thus it could possible RUIN your aircond fan......

 

[anxious]

Checked the battery today, it was in good condition so I gueess that the alternator must be working well.

Lee you may hv a point, I also changed my tie rods today and after alignging the car, i did feel some vibration from the steering. I hope its not the rack. I seemed to be doing all the maintenace my car didnt get over the last 12 yrs but I refuse to give up on her.

I hv spent more than RM20k on my car and there still seems to be no end. Just realised my rear axle is leaking.