Alternator bad, or something else?
10-16-2009, 11:10 AM
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Alternator bad, or something else? Last sunday on my way home, i notice the volt gauge not being where it should be. As i kept driving the lights inside and outside the car were getting dimmer, i could practically watch the gauge fall. By the time i made it home and in the garage i had no interior lights and practically no headlights. The gauge was also practically on 0 or whatever it is when there is nothing.
I turned the car off, and immediately tried to restart it. The starter was the only thing that made noise and it was clicking like it was bad, but i know its not. I set the alarm and the horn sounded weak as well.
Well, last night i go down and try to see whats going on and i hit the lock button and the horn was back to normal, so i figure what the hell start it up, it started right up. The gauges all went to the max and back down to normal. It is a '99 i know that is a problem, i had this problem a year ago and replaced the battery with an optima red top and that fixed it until now.
So, is it my battery thats fucked up, or my alternator, or something else? thanks
I turned the car off, and immediately tried to restart it. The starter was the only thing that made noise and it was clicking like it was bad, but i know its not. I set the alarm and the horn sounded weak as well.
Well, last night i go down and try to see whats going on and i hit the lock button and the horn was back to normal, so i figure what the hell start it up, it started right up. The gauges all went to the max and back down to normal. It is a '99 i know that is a problem, i had this problem a year ago and replaced the battery with an optima red top and that fixed it until now.
So, is it my battery thats fucked up, or my alternator, or something else? thanks
10-16-2009, 11:19 AM
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When mine did something similar it turned out to be the alternator. Since your battery is still under free replacement warranty I'd charge it then bring it back for a free load test to eliminate it as the problem first.
10-16-2009, 02:54 PM
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its the alternator, u can check by disconnecting the Negative battery cable and see if it still runs. Leave the positive on. u cant run a car with NO battery
there are also Load Tests u can do(for battery and alternator)
there are also Load Tests u can do(for battery and alternator)
10-16-2009, 03:25 PM
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alright well i cant find out for sure until tomorrow, but thanks for the answer....Now do i get a oe replacement from autozone or wherever. Or do i get somethin that has some more amps?
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10-17-2009, 01:45 PM
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I would get a remy or some type of gm alternator. I got a autozone and although it fixed the problem, the pulley must have not lined up right with my other pulleys. The belt sqeaked like hell. I ended up going and buying a Remy ro $200 and it fixed my problem of squeaking.
10-19-2009, 08:37 PM
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fixed it today, a local alternator shop had a brand new one for $110... so i got it out in five minutes but in the process i broke the stupid wire on the clip thing. luckily they had one of those also. it was a bitch to get back in...but eventually got it and runs great again....thanks for the advice and how
