Autoelectro presents a trio of diagnosis and solution examples.
Renault Clio
On the Renault Clio 2.0 petrol (2000-2013), which uses alternator part numbers AEA4200, AEK2100 and AEK3386, there is a known fault with the vehicle’s drive belt system, which can cause the belt to slip off. The fault is triggered by the failure of the power steering pump bearings. Consequently, the alternator warning lamp will illuminate, there will be excessive noise and the belt is likely to come off during operation. Autoelectro recommends that the following components are replaced, to avoid problems in the future and premature failure of the replacement alternator: drive belt, tensioner, power steering pump and refill power steering pump with ATF-220.
Fiat Punto and Panda
The Fiat Punto/Panda 1.2 (2003-2015), which uses starter motor references AEU1192 and AEY1726, suffers with an issue that causes the starter motor to burn out. The problem is due to insufficient operating voltage at the ECM from cold starting.
Autoelectro advises that the ECM should be reprogrammed and updated with modified software. This will improve when cold starting and will avoid premature failure of the replacement starter motor in the future.
Mercedes A-Class
The final vehicle to enter Autoelectro’s workshop this month is the Mercedes A-Class A190/A210 1.9/2.1 petrol (1999-2009). Part numbers AES2205, AEY2244 and AEY2421 are the starter motor references that are affected, which, like the Punto/Panda, are prematurely burnt out. The issue is due to a corroded earth point, and it is important to replace it to avoid the same result in the future.
