Damn Alternator

[Mechan1k]

I knew it was time to replace the damn thing .. as the power steering pump was leaking fluid into it.

I had been getting the battery light coming on and going off on the odd occasion ... I had the car booked in for Wednesday to replace the alternator (along with getting the power steer leak fixed).

I noticed it was getting worse when the radio cut out a couple of times ... and my 2-way for work flicked off and on once as well. Then the battery light was dimming and the airbag light came on.

Lucky for me I was at Castle Towers in Castle Hill about to drop my last delivery had I had on-board ... the car got sluggish and then slowly came to a stop ... I managed to think quick and put it in N out of Drive and keep the car rolling ... made it around the right hand corner on an Amber light (slowly) and just pull up into the Loading Dock driveway (PHEW!)

I was hoping for the alternator to hold out till Wednesday when the ute was booked in for it's service ... I cleaned the crap out of it the other day just to keep it going ... but it think it just couldn't take it much longer.

NRMA came out ... and gave me the option of having it towed and fixed at an auto electrician .... or get another NRMA vehicle out and have the alternator replaced on the spot. I compared prices and found that it was cheaper for NRMA to swap it onsite ($300 inc. labour) ... I was only my way in 2 hours.

For all those NSW people who are with NRMA road service ... keep in mind that they can replace your alternator, starter motor, battery anywhere. I was surprised ... OK it does cost .... but for me as a courier ... it was nice to know i was only my way again in 2 hours time.

Now i just have to get my power steer leak fixed otherwise I'll be up for another alternator in the near future.

Just thought I'd share the events of my day