Dec 30, 2010 07:25 AM
7401 Views
(Updated Aug 05, 2013 12:49 AM)
Just thought I might warn Tata Nano users that the car has a faulty alternator problem that has become inherent in all models prior to 2012. After I tinkered with the alternator I realized that the design of the regulator is faulty in that if the current exceeds 25A or you try to jump start the car from an xternal battery source like what I did to my car and you could damage the regulator bias diodes and your alternator will suck all the current out of the battery even when your ignition is off and the car steering locked. Even if you do not jump start your car from an external source, your alternator is so badly designed that it will gradually turn into a current load and ultimately turn your Nano into a burning pyre. Park it in your home garage and you could set your house on fire too. You are warned.
Thankfully, you could protect your assets and your Nano by using a simple mod. Buy one of these Schottky diodes used for solar panels rated for 30A (90A is better)or more and connect them in series to the alternator positive out connector. The anode of the diode is connected to the alternator output while the kathode side is connected to the cable end that goes to the battery junction at the + terminal of the battery post. This will protect your vehicle and yourself since any damage happening to the alternator due to its bad design at this point will not cause the current to reverse back into the stator wingdings of the alternator. You are now safe. I hope this mod works for you and you find this info useful.