I have a Toyota Vigo. Is the attached pic the alternator? With the engine off and key in the "on" position it's making a fast clicking noise and light hum. For the past week the engine is slow to turnover when I start it but not always. Know very little about engines so would appreciate any thoughts before going to mechanic.

Are you sure the noise is from the alternator ? Put a screw driver point on stuff and you will feel feed back in your hand.

My Vigo alternator is hidden under the aircon compressor, can't tell from your small pic, my eyes Sounds like a fuel pump prob.

The alternator should not make any noise when it’s not turning, regardless of the key position.

When you say the key is on, you are not referring to the start position are you?

Alternators do not fail often, was your car underwater in the floods?

Hi Ubonrthai,

I was recently watching Auto Trader and Ed China had this same type of problem.

If I recall correctly, there was a clicking noise coming from the engine and he found out that the clutch on the air conditioner was sticking and causing the battery to drain.

On further investigation he found that the relay for the A/C was shot, so he changed ut and the problem was solved.

To say that this is the same problem as you are encountering would be a long shot but it might be worth checking all of your relays before handing the car over to a mechanic and shelling out 50 gazquillion Baht..

Regards,

Tiger.