Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo
Moderators: Doone, westonwarrior
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mikelamb
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by mikelamb » Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:59 pm
Hi Everyone,
On my way home from work, noticed that the Sediment and battery lights were on at the same time. Can I presume that the alternator is shot and go ahead and order a new one?
Thanks for your help,
Mike.

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mikelamb
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by mikelamb » Sat Oct 11, 2008 1:12 pm
How much driving can I get away with before I'm stood at the side of the road waiting for the AA! How much can I expect to pay for a replacement?
Cheers,
Mike.
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westonwarrior
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by westonwarrior » Sat Oct 11, 2008 1:46 pm
replacements go from about £150 up
I remember though fixing an alternator by getting a diode pack and replacing that I also rember that someone mentioned one for a Bongo.
but thats as much as my memory allows
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waycar8
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by waycar8 » Sat Oct 11, 2008 3:13 pm
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mikelamb
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by mikelamb » Sat Oct 11, 2008 3:35 pm
Been looking at that one waycar8, just decided to go for it and hope it lasts me longer than the 30 day warranty! They seem to be genuine enough, but it's always a bit of a gamble buying second hand. Money is tight so my hand is forced a little! I'm wondering if my old one can be refurbished?
Mike.

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waycar8
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by waycar8 » Sat Oct 11, 2008 3:42 pm
mikelamb wrote:Been looking at that one waycar8, just decided to go for it and hope it lasts me longer than the 30 day warranty! They seem to be genuine enough, but it's always a bit of a gamble buying second hand. Money is tight so my hand is forced a little! I'm wondering if my old one can be refurbished?
Mike.

Hi Mike, they do seem to be sourcing alot of bongo related items and do seem to be nicely priced too, for ebay thats good for us all, it will hopefully bring the prices down for spare parts. As for your refurb, there is places that do it, not sure about prices thoe, just phone about see if you can get it done cheap, at least you could have a spare then or sell it on and recoup your money.
Cheers Wayne
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mikelamb
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by mikelamb » Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:32 pm
Thanks keefysher,
I would like to know as I need to get to work and back on Monday, ( about 30 mile round trip). I'm not sure if the bongo has abs, she's on a 95 plate (n reg). How can I tell safely!
Mike.
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waycar8
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by waycar8 » Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:36 pm
just turn the key and when the lights come on on the dash 1 will say ABS

or look for a wire that goes from the back of the wheel up into the wheel arch near to where the brake pipe goes up into the front of the bongo
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spout
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by spout » Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:38 pm
Sorry if this is a bit simplistic, but have you checked if it's not just a snapped belt?
(New to the Bongo, so if this is *%*^ then please ignore

)
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David Edwards
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by David Edwards » Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:12 pm
when mine went a few months ago it literally went from perfect to dead in less than two miles,I used a search engine called 1stchoice.co.uk and within two mins I had three calls and two e mails for alternators, I chose one at £70.00 next day delivery incl postage, it came at around lunchtime and had a 90 day guarantee which was by far the longest offered...so far so good. I would certainly use em again. P.S. it looked almost new too lol.
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teenmal
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by teenmal » Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:47 pm
spout wrote:Sorry if this is a bit simplistic, but have you checked if it's not just a snapped belt?
(New to the Bongo, so if this is *%*^ then please ignore

)
The simpler, the better,take it to a garage that does free battery and alternator checks.Sometime we tend to jump the gun.
Thats what John Wayne said.
Best of luck Mal..
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mikelamb
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by mikelamb » Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:16 pm
Checked the belts first job, I was hoping that it was going to be that, but no such luck!
Mike.
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johnzbenson
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by johnzbenson » Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:08 am
Before condemning the alternator completely disconnect the battery and check all electrical connections to the alternator are secure. its a simple check and may save you a garage trip
To check the function of the alternator is quite a simple process
With a DC voltmeter- measure the voltage across the battery terminals with the engine switched off - the voltage of a fully charged battery should be between 12 to 12.3 volts.
Do the same test again while the engine is running- with all the optional electrical items switched off (lights/Radio/Aircon/Hetated rear screen etc)
the Voltage should read between 13.5 to 14.1 volts if the alternator is doing its job.
I say, Do You Bongo?....... RATHER!
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missfixit70
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by missfixit70 » Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:59 am
If it has gone, stick it on charge asap, it'll give you a bit longer driving. if you've got somewhere at work you can plug a charger in too, it'll give you a better chance of not dying mid journey. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious

You can't polish a turd - but you can roll it in glitter.
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brorabongo
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by brorabongo » Sun Oct 12, 2008 5:25 pm
I've still got a working but noisy alternator (front bearing is on way out)
Might be possible to do a 1/2 swap.......my rear end for your front end......Did I say that out loud?
Will have to be the same make/model alt of course.
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Run your fingers over my Bongo, and I'll run my Bongo over your fingers!!
