Replacing Suzuki Vitara Alternator

Recently, I had my alternator replaced at Reys Electrical Shop in Cubao. My old stock alternator suddenly dropped its output voltage while I was driving home, good thing I was able to park the vehicle properly. When the engine was turned off, I wasn't able to start the car again.

Rey Villa Electrical Shop - Cubao Branch

At first, I don't know if the alternator or the battery is faulty. I need to check first which should be replaced, since it wouldn't be practical to just replace everything in the charging/starting system. I borrowed a battery from another Vitara owner, which is of same size, capacity, and brand as mine. The borrowed battery was able to crank and start the engine, but upon testing with a digital multimeter, the output voltage across the battery terminals isn't going up. The alternator of a running engine should produce about 12.5-13.5 volts. Mine was doing 11.9.

I called Mang Joe (my trusty mechanic) to help me diagnose again if it is really the alternator that should be replaced. Of course, an expert opinion is a must especially if you're going to replace parts. He confirmed that the alternator is faulty, and decided to have it inspected in an alternator shop.  He removed the alternator and the battery (which needs to be recharged) and we brought it to Rey's Electrical Shop in 15th Avenue, Cubao.

old stock suzuki vitara jlx alternator

Rey's Electrical Shop is known for their expertise in automotive electrical system. They have a branch in Cubao and Marikina as well. Both branches have a large and experienced crews who specializes in electrical system repair for all types of vehicles. Should there be a need to replace parts, they also have an automotive parts store within the repair area, which makes it more convenient for customers.

Upon arriving, the battery was tested and their battery guy suggested to just charge it, since it was just a bit drained. We went to the alternator testing area, where they have this makeshift testing device (which looks like a TV set mainboard) that beeps when continuity in a circuit is detected.  Disassembling the alternator revealed that the carbon brushes are still good, which means the problem could be somewhere else. The alternator technician then tested the rotor and stator, and they found the problem -- shorted rotor.

Inside Reys Electrical Shop, Behind the Feroza is the alternator testing area

Now comes the hard part. Should I have it repaired or just replace the entire alternator? The price quoted for an 80-ampere reconditioned alternator was P3,500, plus P650 for labor. Good thing, the owner, Mr. Rey Villa was there and my mechanic showed the quote and asked for a discount. Mr. Villa just said we only have to pay for the parts, labor is on the house. Cool bargain :D

80 amp Mitsubishi Alternator (reconditioned)

Why get a reconditioned alternator? Although a reconditioned alternator is pricier compared to surplus, this one is newly painted. Reconditioned alternator are also thoroughly cleaned and tested (hopefully, depending on the seller) and are usually given a longer warranty. Another shop quoted me 2,500 pesos for a surplus Nissan alternator with similar amperage. A brand new alternator is another option, but priced at 8 thousand pesos.

Removing the faulty alternator

Here, the faulty alternator is removed. I was wondering why they're removing it without waiting for the engine to cool first. The technician said they're already used to it; every vehicle they service there are still hot. Waiting for it to cool down before servicing would make a long queue of cars waiting.

Installing the New 80 amp alternator

According to the technician, the new alternator is supposed to be for Mitsubishi vehicles but will also fit Suzuki Vitara. To make the alternator fit the mounting, some parts of the original metal bracket was grinded and a new mounting hole was drilled. The bulkier alternator fits perfectly without the need for special brackets, longer fan belt, or spacers.

Soldering the Batt Connector

Of course, the old alternator connector isn't compatible to the new one, so the new connector was spliced into the batt connection. Here, the splice is soldered to prevent oxidation and prolong the life of the new joint.

Checking for Alternator Output Voltage

An hour later, the installation is almost finished. Here, they are using a digital multimeter to test the output voltage with load (combination of headlights and aircon) and without load. The alternator passed the tests.

Mang Joe (my mechanic) and Orly (technician of Reys Electrical)

Reys Electrical Shop Cubao Address and Telephone Numbers