Parts
Used alternators and startersTested before replaced
Almost everybody who asks us for a starter motor or an alternator is describing a symptom rather than a failed part — and roughly as often as not, the part they name is innocent. So this is the one category where we would rather test first than sell first.
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What people describe
“It cranks slowly, like the battery is flat, but the battery is new.” Usually a voltage drop — a corroded earth strap or a tired main lead — rather than the starter itself.
“The battery light comes on and the headlights dim at idle.” That points at the alternator or its belt and pulley, and the charging voltage tells us which in about a minute.
“It clicks once and nothing happens.” Could be the starter solenoid, could be the ignition switch, could be a relay. Three different parts, one identical symptom.
Diagnosis before parts
We measure what is actually happening while the key is turned: cranking voltage, charging voltage, voltage drop across the earths. Nothing gets replaced on a guess, because on a starting fault a guess costs a whole part and fixes nothing.
It is worth saying that a bad earth causes more strange electrical faults on these vans than failed components do, and it costs nothing to put right once it is found.
The part itself
Alternators differ by output and by pulley type on the same model, and starters differ by tooth count and by the gearbox they bolt to — so the registration is what confirms the fit, along with the engine it identifies.
Once the fault is proven, you can collect the part in Kettering, usually the same day, or leave the van and we will fit it. Stock comes from four to six donor vans at a time across the Sprinter, Master, Movano and NV400. If a part we sell turns out to be faulty, we replace it.
What we hold
- Alternators
- Starter motors
- Pulleys and regulators
- Earth straps and leads
- Ignition switches
- Relays and fuse boxes
- Sensors
- Wiring plugs and looms
Which van is it for?
Where to go next
Other parts we stock
- EnginesThe one category sold with a 12-month warranty.
- GearboxesManual and automatic; heavy, so collection or fitting here helps.
- Doors and panelsColour comes as it comes — we do not do paintwork.
- Headlights and lampsLeft and right differ, and facelift versus pre-facelift matters.
- Wing mirrorsHeated, electric and manual versions differ on the same van.
- Radiators and coolingOverheating is the one symptom you must not drive on.