2011 C4 Vtr+ Stop Start Alternator Failure / Expected Life

[BobWB]

I have a question, what it the expected life of the stop start alternator, as mine has packed up at 22100, miles. I have had a lot of cars and done hundreds of thousands of miles never had a alternator go. would have thought a £900 part should do better than this. would like your views.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

It should be the life of the car, otherwise what is the point of stop start. At £900 I would see if the existing one can be refurbished unless somebody else is paying.

 

Stop start is supposed to reduce emissions to cut pollution in towns with the added benefit of lowering fuel consumption. In some towns I think you can be fined for not switching off your engine when stationary. So for the motorist the running costs should be reduced but if faced with a large bill every few years this more than offsets reduced fuel costs. The environment cost of making the extra alternators could also be more than the reduced car emissions. Our latest C4 is stop start but fearing higher maintenance costs like this I prefer to have it switched off. I also suspect it may lead to a reduced turbo life since as soon as you stop the car it stops the engine and does not give time for the turbo to slow down before the oil supply is stopped.

 

 

I have edited the topic title slightly to help when searching.