Brendonian 105 Report post Posted December 29, 2014 I took to car for a spin today. Just a trip into town to buy some DIY gear from Wickes. All was well, giving it a little bit of a blast, when I suddenly got a high pitched metallic squealing sound from the rear of the car, this was soon followed by a burning smell. I backed off and dipped the clutch, and the engine cut out. To cut a long story short, the AA man tested the battery, which was only reading 12 volts, so he attached his jumper pack, and managed to get the engine started, it was reluctant to run, and sounded like crap. At this point, there was a little smoke and a bad burning smell from around the alternator belt. Best guess is the alternator has seized up. Is this a common problem? Or does anybody have an alternative theory? It's pretty hard diagnosing these things at the side of the road. I can't say I'm impressed with the AA on this occasion. I only broke down a mile from home, and it took 5 and a half hours to get the car back here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TBD 700 2 Vehicles Report post Posted December 30, 2014 Sounds like an absolute rare event, no record on any forums regarding alternator issues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brendonian 105 Report post Posted December 31, 2014 Hopefully, the garage will be able to look at the car by Monday, and I'll have a little more information. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ryanmt 13 Report post Posted January 26, 2015 was the AC on? That is more prone to seizing and pretty sure it runs off the same belt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brendonian 105 Report post Posted January 26, 2015 Hi Ryan. Yes, it does now seem that the AC was the most likely culprit. The garage that investigated the problem found that the battery was partially failed, but the alternator was working fine. After a little more work, they found that there's no gas in the air con system. As far as they could tell, the AC compressor didn't seem to have seized, but they couldn't properly test it as the lack of gas in the system prevents the compressor from running. As Lotus Silverstone have done a few repairs to the air con over the past year, it seemed best to pass the car over to them for further investigation. They can't fit me in until the 16th of Feb, so I'll just have to wait until then for more information. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
21gg 254 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 26, 2015 Is it under warranty? If not the lotus part is fortunes. Ryanmt and I have both fitted items from the state's for a lot less money. I don't know if it's true but sure I read somewhere the evoras don't have low pressure sensors! That might explain the issues we are suffering. Gav Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brendonian 105 Report post Posted January 26, 2015 Yes, I saw your previous posts about getting compressors from the US. That sounds great, but when I did a quick search recently, I was only finding second hand units for a reasonable price. New ones weren't looking much cheaper than Lotus by the time you add shipping and import duty. If you can suggest a reliable source, that would be really helpful. I've found a local company that says they can recondition my compressor for around £250, so that's another option. For now, I'm going to have to wait until the guys at Lotus Silverstone have taken a look at the car before making any more progress. The garage that looked at the car previously said they couldn't test the compressor because it wouldn't start up whilst the low pressure sensor was active. I have no idea whether the car actually has one, or not! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
21gg 254 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 26, 2015 (edited) Mine from memory was £270 ish delivered Inc tax but wasn'oem. Ryanmts was oem but he was in the states and he carried it back, genuine Toyota. I just got mine from eBay! I don't think it's a low pressure sensor more a speed sensor thing. I just reset my fault code with my torque pro app but as it was seized it just stalled the engine when I tried. If I had to guess I would say it's Goosed. I will have a look where minecame from. Gav Edited January 26, 2015 by 21gg_ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
21gg 254 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 26, 2015 300923639172 This is on my saved eBay list. Don't know if it's the same supplier I used. Some on eBay now include duty upfront. Gav Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
21gg 254 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 26, 2015 Denso unit,eBay item: 251252107568 Gav Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brendonian 105 Report post Posted January 26, 2015 Thanks vey much. That's so helpful! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brendonian 105 Report post Posted February 21, 2015 Well, it's been confirmed the culprit was the AC compressor. I've had the old one rebuilt rather than import a new replacement. It was slightly cheaper, and means if I have any problems with it, I have a warranty with a local company so it will be easier to resolve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
21gg 254 1 Vehicles Report post Posted February 21, 2015 Ive still got my old one, may keep hold of it just in case! Gav Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
