Nissan Pixo 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.

Nissan

The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, established over 85 years ago, in 1933.

Currently, they operate as part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, incorporating two other industry giants under their umbrella operation.

How popular is Nissan in the United Kingdom?

Nissan has always been a popular household name, and recently a bestseller to boot, with around 1.7million vehicles on the UK roads today.

Their introduction to the SUV market happened in 2007 with the Qashqai, and in 2018 it was announced as the 4th best-selling car in the UK.

Stylish well-priced cars for the road, off-road and the track

Nissan’s various sized and styled SUVs are well priced with something for both urban and adventure seeking drivers. The British built Nissan Qashqai has made great waves since its introduction and its smaller compact crossover cousin, the Nissan Juke, isn’t going to be too far behind for long.

Nissan’s latest electric models

The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric compact hatchback that is leading the way in this fast-growing and competitive market. It became the world’s best selling electric car in 2014, holding 45% of the all-electric car market.

Nissan’s second zero emissions vehicle is the E-NV200 Combi, a 5- or 7-seater MPV utilising the same technologies as the ground- and record-breaking Leaf.

The Nissan GT-R: true track performance

With increased torque and horsepower, the latest GT-R delivers up to 3.8-litres of twin-turbo V6 performance, an incredibly clean drag coefficient providing more consistent downforce, and utilising Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control to consistently monitor steering and braking, this Nissan technology automatically makes compensations to oversteer, understeer, engine speed and braking to provide maximum performance with minimum effort.

And if you can’t quite stretch to the £80k+ price tag for your performance sports car, then the Nissan 370Z could be a more affordable option starting at the lower base price of £29k.

Nissan’s reliability and reputation

Nissan ranked 27th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. With an 87.1% efficiency rating, perhaps there’s a little work to be done to improve their overall reliability to compete with the other better performing Asian brands in this area?

Recent Nissan recalls and reliability issues

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

02/04/2019 – Nissan Qashqai (2018)

The radiator fan assembly may fail

05/09/2018 – Nissan NV200 and Nissan Juke (2017)

Internal ignition switch spring may have a been manufactured with a surface defect

05/07/2018 – Nissan NV400 (2017)

Incorrect software configuration in combi meter

17/04/2018 – Nissan QashQai (2017)

VIN gross combination weight information is incorrect

17/04/2018 – Nissan QashQai (2017–2018)

Body control module may fail

21/03/2018 – Nissan Micra (2017)

Front wheel hub may not be manufactured to correct specification

13/03/2018 – Nissan NV400 (2016–2017)

Steering column joint may not be secure

05/03/2018 – Nissan NV400 (2016–2017)

Fuel filter support may break

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