Rotating electrics specialist Autoelectro, has issued a new technical bulletin providing solutions to common problems on Renault, Fiat and Mercedes models.

Focusing first on the Renault Clio 2.0 petrol (2000-2013), there is a known fault with the vehicle’s drive belt system, which can cause the belt to slip off. The fault is triggered by the failure of the power steering pump bearings. Consequently, the alternator warning lamp will illuminate, there will be excessive noise and the belt is likely to come off during operation. Autoelectro recommends that the Drive belt, Tensioner and Power steering pump be replaced, to avoid problems in the future and premature failure of the replacement alternator. :

Meanwhile an issue has been identified with the starter motor on the Fiat Punto/Panda 1.2 (2003-2015). The motor can burn out due to insufficient operating voltage at the ECM from cold starting. Autoelectro advises that the ECM should be reprogrammed and updated with modified software. This will improve when cold starting and avoid premature failure of the replacement starter motor in the future.

Finally, on the Mercedes A-Class A190/A210 1.9/2.1 petrol (1999-2009), the starter motor is  prone to burn out. The issue is due to a corroded earth point, and it is important to replace it to avoid the same result in the future.

This information forms part of the technical bulletin library at www.autoelectro.co.uk