2pin alternator in place of a 3 pin one
 

Car is an early 2000 year r75 with a m47r engine.

Can a Valeo 2 pin r75 Valeo alternator be used to replace a Valeo3 pin type?

The plug looks like it will fit.

Just purchased a brand new complete alternator of the 2 pin type yet my original has 3 pins. What does the third pin do?

Do pins 1 and 2 have the same function?

straight fit, apparently the 3rd pin in the earlier one is redundant. What you cannot do is use a regulator having 2 pins in place of the 3 pin regulator and vice versa ( they are physically different ) but at the alternator level of assembly, you're ok. and, the later 2 pin one has a higher output. I have one in my bunker, I'm waiting for the old 3 pin one to die, I thought it had a couple of years back but a new regulator brought it back to life.

Thanks for quick reply
 

Thanks for your answer and explanation.

I will fit the unit tomorrow, I hope it don't rain!

see these links for diesel alternators.

all the diesel alternators, all years only use two connections, irrespective of the number of pins in the plug, which is a generic fit from the factory.On some petrol models the third pin was used for speedometer reading signals to the dash.

Snagger