I just got the most heart breaking diagnostic from Jag. I got the dreaded "charging system fault" error. I got the car 2 years ago. It currently has 55K miles on it. I cant get the leak fixed at the moment, but i can replace the alternator. Does anyone know how many miles the thing can go before it comes back? I asked the tech, he cant say.. and obviously, nobody else here can either (on my specific car), but i'm wondering if anyone has experienced this and can share their experience.

 

I had this happen last year.
Oil leak from timing chain cover, destroyed the alternator. Hopefully fixed properly.
There have been others who have had the same problem.

 

Replacing alternator without fixing oil leak is a bad call. If costs are consideration, the first step is to NOT service it at the dealer. Find independent mechanic willing to take this on.

Also, alternators can be rebuilt for less than cost of a new alternator. If you are going to sacrifice alternator as a stop-gap, it make sense to go with a used or rebuild part. Talk to rebuilder, maybe they can do something to make it more resistant to oil leaks?

 

+1 - the approach mentioned is treating the symptom not the disease.

 

Yea I agree. I'm gonna shop around, 8.3K out of warranty is a hefty price man. I'm wondering if they'll just buy it from me at this point lol. I was wondering if it was possible for something like a cover to be welded on the alternator. I have no clue in that space tho

 

I actually just called an independent servicer per your advice and gonna take it in to them tomorrow. According to them, they cant immediately see why the engine would have to come out for the leak to be fixed, but we'll see

 

I just confirmed that my leak is this exact leak. Did they say they had to take the whole engine out to fix it? Because the dealer just offered 4100 off their original asking price. I called a different place and they dont think the engine has to come out. So now im feeling like the dealer is wanting to take advantage of me because a 50% discount is a lot.

 

Mine was fixed engine in. Done under warranty.
However the mechanic removed the brake vacuum pump during the process and he did not reconnect the pipes correctly when he put it back. After a 200 mile drive the pipes came off and the brakes finally failed in a car park.......I was lucky!

 

And not using dealer labour rates will be more of a saving ...