[bonaventura]

My car started developing this issue two days ago when I noticed smoke inside the car. I couldn't find the source but it smelled like burning electric installation. Car behave mostly ok, first few seconds after start either cold or warm, engine works erratic and it settles after 10-15seconds. This morning I decided to investigate further, I opened the bonnet and noticed heat coming up from alternator area. Engine was cold and the exhaust was not even warm in touch, but the alternator was very hot, couldn't touch it for longer than 2 seconds. I see no warning lights on the dashboard, car works okaish. So far I done following:
- reseated battery and cleaned connectors with sand paper,
- replaced ground cable between chassis and engine,
- removed PK belt and checked bearings on alternator, rotor spins freely.

There are other issues that developed in the past year maybe related:
- start/stop does not work anymore
- aircon does not work either but unsure when it stopped since I do not use it, I cannot hear that clutch engages.

Anyone had similar issue, what to check?

[bonaventura]

Quick follow-up - the symptoms were caused by a failing alternator. Few days ago I smelled burnt electrics for the last time, two days later my car died in the middle of the road. Interestingly, there was no indication of failing charging on the dashboard for the period where the alternator was really warm.

Shortly before my car died on the road, power steering light pop up on the dashboard, then ESP and ABS.

After replacing alternator, auto start-stop and aircon started working. I have also replaced battery in case there was any short.

[The Gonz]

That is a bit strange. I'd expect the alternator to be causing the charge fail to show. Glad you got the fix.

[bonaventura]

Exactly, especially when there is no charging. Before replacement, my multimeter showed 11.9 - 12V, so I think the dashboard light should come up, unless there are other issues in my car.