I believe my new Bosch alternator has failed , of only less than a month after installation . New belt , too . My battery is only 2 years old . So I was wondering if failure of newly installed alternators is a common occurrence ? I've read through some posts , and it seems to point in this direction . Why do so many NEW alternators fail ??

 

Some "Bosch" stuff isn't made 100% in Germany. Think the last Bosch part I got my hands on was Made in Mexico.

 

@Tomzsix Have you checked the alternator output? Is it putting out a solid 13.9 to 14.3V, as measured from the positive on the alternator to the alternator casing

Also have your battery checked a bad battery can kill an alternator fast

 

My new Bosch alternator was built in China . On the tag it says . I'm going to buy a new battery . I don't have a voltmeter . I just jumped the rover , and it is working fine , for now .

 

I'm sorry, there is a rule: One is not allowed to own a British vehicle without also owning a multimeter. Lucas, Prince of Darkness, and all that.

 

How do you know it failed? What's the symptom and sounds?

 

@Tomzsix Just go buy an inexpensive multimeter, it is worth it.

 

OK ....I went to Interstate batteries , did some tests , and the service guy said that my battery was good , but needed a charge . He then stated that you should do this once a year . So I ordered a pulse charger . I had probably jumped to a conclusion doubting my new alternator . And how , btw , do you check the output of alternator ?

 

@Tomzsix as to needing to put your battery on a charger only if it sits for long periods more than 6 days at a time.

There are 4 steps to testing your alternator, set your multimeter to 20+ dc volts

1. Start your Disco and put the positive lead on the big cable on the back of the alternator and negative to the alternator casing you should see between 14 and 14.4 volts.
2. Leave the positive on the alternator positive and move the negative to the engine block, you should see between 14 and 14.4 volts.
3. Positive lead to the positive cable on the battery and negative to the the negative cable on the battery 13.9 to 14.4 is good, you get a little drop because of all the grounds in that area
4. Turn your headlights to hi beam, fog lights on heated windshield on, rear defrost on, heater on hi, radio on , heated seats on. do the same check as step 3 you should see 13.5 or better even at idle.

If all that checks out, check your battery in the am with the multimeter you should be right around 12.5 to 12.6 volts anything much lower than that is a parasite drain.

 

Those are good steps written above. There is also a one-step test: Drive to a parts store and have them test it. They will attach an electronic tester that checks the battery and the alternator (there are steps to turn headlights on and off). Testers are also available on-line for not too much $. Very good to have if you have a "fleet" of vehicles. They simply attach with clips at the battery. Alternative is to remove the alternator and take it to the parts store, they put it in a device that turns the pulley with a belt and connects wires to check electrical function.