Car Fix DIY Videos

The sequence and ‘how to’ remove the alternator on a SAAB 9-3 93. The same basic engine is used in Vauxhall & Opel Vectra – they may be similar. This is an awkward job – not especially difficult though. Allow about an hour for removal and same for replacement, plus rebuild time (I replaced the brushes and regulator in mine in less than 15 minutes – I’ve a video for that – see below).
Also make sure you’ve got the part number of the alternator off the back cover before removing it – I cover that in the video.

Worn brushes is the most common fault. Mine lasted 110,000 miles. I guess that’s about typical for brush life (say, 80 – 120 ‘000). I show you how to change the brushes on a Bosch alternator here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2aEPD17r8w
And here I show you how to test any alternator and battery. Do this regularly and you’ll know when to change either without suffering a breakdown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT_XmlwMVz4&t=25s

Check out my channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT_XmlwMVz4&t=25s

I’m open to requests. I’ve already done a couple.

Making these videos is a “passion” for me. I’m using my 35+ years as an automotive engineer and car maintenance DIYer to make them and hope they help people out and maybe leave a legacy of knowledge for my sons and future Grandchildren (I learnt loads from my Grandads when they were alive).

Don’t imagine that somehow these videos earn their makers a ‘mint’, they don’t. So if this video has saved you some time, hassle or money and has been an “enabler” for you and you’d like to show your appreciation by buying me a pint then follow this link
http://paypal.me/cyclonecyd
Thank you.

Filming and sound recording carried out using a Samsung Galaxy J5 smartphone fitted with a Yanmai microphone and clip on lenses.
Video editing using Windows Live Movie Maker (Win7Pro)
Smart phone held in a “gorilla” grip mounted on a standard photography tripod.
Engine code reading/resetting and live data taken using Torque Pro for Android app running on a Samsung Galaxy S2 or J5 connected to an ELM427 Bluetooth OBDII adapter. Graphs from the ‘Realtime Charts’ plug-in. Screen recordings by AZ Screen Recorder. Multimeter you see is a Rapitest DM25 from GET plc (checked for general accuracy against a calibrated Megger electricians multi tester), using Megger test leads and croc clips. Endoscope images are from a 2MP wifi endoscope with the app running on a Galaxy S2 or J5. Got any Qs about tools and equipment? Please, use the comments section.

SAFETY:
I do my best NOT to show or encourage unsafe practices, unlike some others who use the excuse “I’m a pro”. Well, I’m a Pro too, but I want to stay alive and in one piece.
HOWEVER: YOUR safety is YOUR responsibility. Your working environment and tools will be different to mine. Think about your safety and use appropriate lifting gear, tools and PPE. PLEASE.

This video IS NOT sponsored. I recommend products purely based on personal knowledge, experience and sometimes discussion with professional colleagues.