At GN Mechanical & Automotive in Bilingurr, the team recently assessed and repaired a Nissan Navara 2011 (135080kms) that was brought in after the owner experienced a no-start condition. Although the vehicle still had power, it was not turning over. The owner also reported that the battery had recently been replaced, yet the battery warning light remained on and the handbrake light stayed illuminated. These symptoms indicated a potential underlying charging system fault.
As a trusted Repco Authorised Service centre, GN Mechanical & Automotive handles a wide range of mechanical and auto-electrical issues, and their technicians are well-equipped to diagnose and resolve faults affecting modern 4WDs like the Nissan Navara.
With the Navara unable to crank but still showing electrical power, the team began by confirming the customer’s concerns. The warning lights suggested a possible charging system issue, so the vehicle first needed to be started to allow a full inspection.
A controlled jump-start was performed, and the Navara started successfully. This allowed the workshop to bring it inside for a detailed engine bay inspection.
Once inside the workshop, technicians inspected the front of the engine and immediately identified a serious problem: the alternator pulley was missing. The alternator shaft was exposed, and while the drive belt was still present, it was no longer tensioned correctly due to the missing pulley.
The team determined that the alternator pulley had separated from the alternator assembly, causing loss of proper belt drive. This explained both the no-start fault and the battery warning light, as the alternator was unable to charge the battery.
Before exploring other electrical issues, the alternator and drive belt needed to be replaced so that further meaningful tests could be carried out. The handbrake light, for example, would be re-checked once the charging system was restored and voltage levels stabilised.
With the fault confirmed, the technicians carried out a structured repair process. The battery was first disconnected for safety. The Navara was then raised on the hoist to allow access to the alternator and belt.
The drive belt was removed, the failed alternator was taken out, and a new alternator was installed. A new alternator drive belt was then fitted and tensioned to the correct specification. Once the repair was complete, the vehicle was lowered, the battery reconnected, and the Navara was started and tested.
With the new alternator in place, the charging system operated normally and the previous warning lights cleared. The Navara was road-tested to ensure consistent charging voltage, stable electrical performance, and smooth operation.
This case study highlights the methodical approach taken by GN Mechanical & Automotive in Bilingurr when resolving a no-start issue on a Nissan Navara 2011 (135080kms). Through accurate diagnosis, structured repair, and comprehensive testing, the team restored the vehicle to reliable running condition and ensured the owner could get back on the road with confidence.
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At GN Mechanical & Automotive in Bilingurr, our team recently completed a challenging repair on a Toyota Landcruiser 2012 (138130kms) that arrived with a damaged right-hand (RH) canopy strut and hinges...
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