Alternator Cooling Tube..what is that Sensor?
 

Yesterday I was changing the brake pads on the front and discovered the remnants of my alternator cooling hose..at least I think that's what it is..

Attached to the back of the plastic shroud that covers the front wheel well..I knew my "tube" was missing because nothing is connected to the alternator "coolant air" plastic pipe.

Anyway, i also noticed that there is a sensor attached to the tube, looks like it is measuring air temp or air flow? I can't find any reference to it in the manual or the schematic so far...anyone know what that sensor is?

I'm also trying to figure out exactly how that tube arrangement helps cool the alternator..seems hard to believe that a pipe with an inlet (or outlet) buried in the fender well could provide much air flow??

Temp sensor is for the HVAC. The alternator sucks air in - the tube makes it cool air rather than hot engine compartment air. It is not a very high flow rate...

Alan

the alternator sucks air in from the back? From the configuration of the tube i almost thought it was creating a "low pressure" spot at the back of the alternator to help the fan pull air through from the front. Seems like a lot of work for a little bit of air!

Usually flows from the front & back and exhausts in the middle...

Bear in mind what is otherwise behind it - exhaust manifold...

Whilst moving this probably isn't a big deal due to general airflow - when stopped it gets really hot though.

So this probably doesn't enhance the airflow - it probably restricts it - but what air does flow is cool... big difference. Also note that the regulator is on the back - and this is one of the most sensitive things to heat since it is also self-heating.

Alan

Most cars are missing the belly pan, which further restricts normal air flow.