Alternator not charging

2016 Citroen DS3 1.2 puretech
Car: Citroen DS3
Year: 2016
Variant: 1.2 puretech
Categories: Electrics, ECU, Warnings & Lights
My car recently wouldn’t start. New battery fitted, then said the alternator was showing low voltage so having to take it to Citroen garage. Anyone had this & know if it’s an expensive fix?
Problem added: Mar 11, 2022 (2 years ago)
I would get alternator charging rate checked and verified firstly . With a new , fully charged battery the charging rate would tend to be low as it is not needed as such . There are different makes of alternator and you have to identify correct one . Can be pricey , especially if going to Citroen rather than a GOOD .independent garage who tend to be a fair bit cheaper . You do not have to take it to Citroen .
Answered Mar 11, 2022 (2 years ago)
Ds3 2016, RAC diagnostic was the alternator was not charging. Max 12.7v.
New alternator fitted and battery recharged, to last no more than three days.
Checked new alternator charge which again was only 12.7-ish..
Lots of codes listed, and on clearing before further research I discovered these are fitted with a smart charge system which was faulty.
The easy way to find out if the alternator is faulty, is simply to check the alternator output, but then disconnect the other two pin wired plug to the alternator. Voltage should ramp up to over 14.
There was now new battery code clearing facility nor did it appeared to need it.

Upshot is, assuming the battery is good there is a problem with this smart charge system which would require a main dealer visit in no less than three weeks time and the pleasure of a £130 diagnosis.
The cost of that repair, God knows!

Quick fix is to simply leave the two pin connector to the alternator disconnected which will continuously supply over 14 V to the battery.
At this stage I do not know what effect it will have on the running of the car, or any other electrical systems, but seems to work.
Answered Oct 20, 2022 (1 year ago)
That " fix " is not recommended to members or advised to use .
Answered Oct 20, 2022 (1 year ago)
Old thread I know but if you get this problem contact the main dealer and ask about recalls. There is a free software update that can cure the problem.
Answered Mar 4, 2024 (3 weeks ago)
More than a year ago , so member probably got it fixed . Especially when " so having to take it to Citroen garage. " where they would have carried out any relevant updates , but may help others
Answered Mar 4, 2024 (3 weeks ago)

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