Alternator Failure Imminent? '06 TD6 | |
Evening all, started the RR yesterday and drove off like normal but noticed it was noisier than normal - can only describe as a turbine like whoosh, like the cooling fan was running full blast. At first panicked thinking it was a transmission problem but after playing with it realised it was engine rev specific and happened in neutral as well as drive.
Anyway, in central London so not convenient to stop - pulled over when I got out of town, turned off engine, had a look under hood suspecting something associated with the serpentine belt as it was engine speed related - nothing obvious. Started again and no noise......
Got halfway home and stopped to pick up a new wheel nut (another long story!!!). On pulling away, noise (turbine like sound associated with engine revs) reappears, but goes away after about 2 miles.
Stopped again to have 4 new Hancook Evo summer tyres fitted and set off for home - all quiet. Halfway home on the motorway start to get a intermittent buzz from behind dash - might be totally unrelated, but seemed to stop when I turned of recirc and AC.
Then... a bit later and alternator warning light starts flashing. Plug in IID whilst driving and battery voltage is bouncing between 14.2v and 12.5v - the latter coincides with warning light.
So, I am thinking something on serpentine belts is causing noise, alternator has a clutch(?), if its failing could it be complaining and then the alternator isn't charging as clutch is slipping?
Pulled the shroud and belt looks in good condition, can't see any obvious issues (but why would it be easy on a FFRR ) so any other suggestions welcomed!!!
Cheers,
Paul. 2011 TDV8 AB
2006 TD6 AB (Gone to Wales)
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