Once a suitable place has been found, it is time to make the car safe. Apply the hand brake and place a chock underneath the wheel. As I was only working under the bonnet, it was not necessary to chock the front or back wheels.
As always when working with my car’s electrics, I always disconnect the battery. The alternator is situated on the drivers’ side under the bonnet just by the inner wing. It has two bolts running through the under part of its body and one small bolt on the upper part that not only secures it but is also the adjustment part for the fan belt. The fan belt runs around the bottom crankshaft pulley, water pump, timing belt pulley and the alternator.
I referred to my owners manual and Ford manual as I always do over a cup of tea. I always check not only the sequence but check if I need any specialist tools. Once I am happy I have the skills and tools I need I can proceed with the job.
With the battery disconnected I firstly undone the thirteen millimeter bolt that has a dual role, number one is to hold the alternator in place and the other is the adjustment part for the fan belt.
Next, I loosened the lower two bolts just enough to be able to push the alternator towards the engine block. This has made the fan belt loose enough to remove and replace with a new genuine Ford part. I can now pull the alternator away from the engine block exposing the lower two bolts. With these out I simply lifted the alternator up, disconnected the wires from the rear section and it was now time to dismantle the pulley on the bench.
The pulley is better done in a vise. Gently squeeze the pulley in the grips.
Loosen the large nut in the center and then remove the alternator. Time for me to go and exchange the unit at the Ford dealer.
To replace the alternator and fan belt I simply followed my previous steps in reverse. I checked the voltage of the new Ford exchange unit once it was fitted and it now reads thirteen and a half volts.
voltmeter I left early in the morning to go to work, when I turned the key, my Fiesta would not start. As I turned the ignition key there was a clicking noise coming from under the bonnet. I will have to use public transport and sort out the problem later in the day. Whilst at work I took a peek at my Ford owner’s handbook and Ford manual. It appears that my starter motor bendx is at fault.
It seems this is not a big job, just a quick visit to my local Ford dealer to collect an exchange unit and then home and swap the starter motor over. I will have to pay a surcharge until I return the old unit. This is a small price to pay knowing I will have a genuine quality Ford part that will not only fit perfectly but also knowing it comes with a full guarantee and it will last a lot longer than cheaper options.
It is possible to change only the bendx but I personally think it is better to change the whole unit as all the parts are the same age and have endured the same punishment.
The first step is to find a suitable safe area to carry out the repair. It should be level and away from moving traffic. You may wish to cone off the area or use signage to warn people about the repair you are doing.
DO NOT LEAVE THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AS THIS COULD
RESULT IN SOMEONE TRYING TO MOVE THE CAR AND CAUSE
