Ls1Rook

iTrader: (1)

My alternator only charges the car for 3 minutes and then it runs on the battery only, I've already changed the alternator twice and fully charged/test the battery, What could it be?

lvbroham1

change the battery cables and make sure all your grounds are secure

poltergeist 02

iTrader: (65)

check the signal wire that goes on top of the alternator. it may need to be replaced.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

You should have your alternator tested. Whatever part is failing may just be sensitive to heat, etc. I'd guess that it's probably the voltage regulator in the alternator.

Ls1Rook

iTrader: (1)

Would that cause the alternator to burn up tho?

I got my alternator tested, failed test and they gave me another one this is my 3rd one now, i checked all the grounds, they look fine and even tested the starter and it passed, i don't want to install the new one and get it fried again, What could it be

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

A crappy alternator rebuilder, maybe using sub-standard or re-used voltage regulators?

Where are you getting the alternators and what brand are they?

Ls1Rook

iTrader: (1)

At oreilly auto parts, not sure on the the brand ill check. I installed the one they gave me and is working fine but scared it might fail on me.

I guess i'm screwed 150 bucks if it burns again. :\

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

You probably have a reman alternator.

Since I'm allergic to this kind of thing happening (when a replacement part doesn't work, it causes me to go in to a total fit - which is bad when holding tools) I almost always go towards buying new parts.

If your latest reman works, then you are probably good. The downside is that it may not last as long as an all-new unit but if you bought it from O'Reilly, you should have a lifetime warranty - check and keep your recipt! (If you throw your recipt away, you are SOL.)

If your warrantied alternator ever goes out - just return it to the store for a new one. No worries.

Ls1Rook

iTrader: (1)

Yea it is a reman alternator, I'm never buying something reman again. I usually search stuff like this and i just didn't. Thanks guys

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Some reman is OK. The catch is making sure the shop that does it replaces all of the wearable parts.

Door motors and alternators are notorious examples of devices that have electronics in them re-used when they should be replaced.

For my power steering pump, I send my unit away to TurnOne and am lovin' it. I was able to talk to them about everything they did and they'll even do custom modifications, if desired. They even turned around within a week so I didn't have a lot of downtime while they were working on my core.

My last alternator was new but kept the old one so when I get a garage and press, I can rebuild my own.