Dacia alternator replacement

What does an alternator do?

The alternator is the device responsible for generating electricity to charge the battery. It’s coupled with the engine drive, which means whenever the car is running, the battery is being charged. Without a charged battery there is no delivery of power to the electrical components or to generate the sparks used to combust the fuel in the engine.

How often should an alternator need replacing?

An alternator typically lasts around 7 years or between 100k and 150k miles.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Without a correctly functioning alternator, your car is unlikely to hold enough charge in the battery to drive for any purposeful length of time. Having said that, the alternator won’t be tested during an MOT, so as long as the battery has enough charge for the engine and other electrical components to run for the duration of the examination, then it can still achieve a pass. We do not recommend this in any circumstance. If there is a problem with your alternator, you should have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

What happens when we replace your alternator?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will test the voltage output of the alternator, inspect the car’s electrical systems and all alternator ancillaries (drive belts, cables, etc.).
• Wherever necessary, the alternator will be replaced, and you will be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.
• You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
• Once the faulty alternator has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes an alternator to stop working correctly?

An alternator might break down due to a bearing failure, preventing the rotor from spinning freely. Fluid leaks or a too tight belt (or a loose belt slipping) can also cause damage and premature wearing.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning alternator

When the battery is flat

If your battery is flat and refuses to accept charge through normal driving, then your alternator could be the problem.

The lights aren’t as bright as normal

If your headlamps aren’t as bright as normal or the function of other electrical components is weak, your alternator may not be supplying as much charge to the battery as it needs.

The battery warning light is illuminated on the dashboard

All warning lights are an indicator that a sensor has detected a failed component or poor operation. A battery warning light could be connected to your alternator performance.

Dacia

Dacia is a Romanian automobile manufacturer, established over 50 years ago in 1966, and has been a subsidiary of the French car manufacturer Renault since 1999.

Dacia is Romania’s top company by revenue and the largest exporter, constituting 7.3% of the country’s total exports in 2014.

How popular is Dacia in the United Kingdom?

Dacia offers great value budget motoring—but don’t think just because they’re cheap they’re not worth the money. The Sandero hatchback is Britain’s cheapest new car and has been receiving high praise from many of the critics and car reviewers throughout the country.

There are currently 137k Dacia vehicles on the roads in the UK, but that number is showing steady, solid growth year by year. Having only been introduced into the UK market in 2013, and with the popularity growing through their more than affordable yet reliable cars, it’s looking like they’re only heading from strength to strength.

Superb value city cars, MPVs and SUVs

With a neat but tidy range featuring the Logan estate, the Sandero hatchback, the Duster SUV and the Lodgy MPV, Dacia looks to be aiming primarily towards budget conscious family drivers.

Yet with the provision of new technologies, the model platforms and the support of Renault behind them, they’re in a great position to offer not only the low prices they’re renowned for but with real substance to back them up.

Dacia: Don’t let the UK numbers fool you

Despite being a relative newcomer to the UK market, Dacia has been manufacturing and selling cars around the world for a lot longer than they have here. The global success of this Romanian marque stands at over 4.5m units sold worldwide since the Renault supported relaunch in 2004. It became the fastest growing retail brand in Europe in 2017, with sales of the Sandero rising by 16%, and selling almost 200k units.

Dacia’s reliability and reputation

Dacia ranked 13th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018, and for a budget car marque that isn’t something to be taken lightly. When you consider they ranked higher than some of the industry giants: Fiat, BMW, VW, Audi, Volvo—even Porsche and Mercedes-Benz—this is a marque that is making waves as the new kid on the block.

Recent Dacia recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on Dacia models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

26/03/2019 – Dacia Logan (2017–2018)

The lower steering column mounting bracket

04/01/2019 – Dacia Logan and Sandero (2018)

Driver’s airbag may not deploy correctly

04/01/2019 – Dacia Logan and Sandero (2013–2015)

Risk of fuel leak

04/04/2019 – Dacia Duster (2016–2017)

Trailer lighting may fail

20/03/2019 – Dacia Logan (2017)

Front wheel hubs may crack

19/09/2017 – Dacia Duster (2017)

Incorrect wiring in horn system can cause one or more safety faults

20/12/2016 – Dacia Logan and Sandero (2012)

Driver’s airbag may not deploy

23/02/2016 – Dacia Logan and Sandero (2015)

Steering may fail

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.