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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 07:59 PM
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Default Alternator problems...

Background. My alternator went out about 2 years ago so I replaced it. Well it out again and I just replaced it again about 2-3 weeks ago with another rebuilt one from Autozone. My dad says sometimes rebuilt alternators just dont work well, and that it's hit or miss. He also was saying that some of the "electronic mods" I have done could possibly contributing a short somewhere. I dont think this is the problem b/c everything I have done have been mods off here. I'm going to list what I have done to see if anyone else may have had this problem.

Automatic sensor override (i can manually turn my headlights on and off now)
Brights stay on with Lows
Fogs stay on with Brights
I recently installed a system (but that's not the first so I dont think that is it)

Do you think it could be the crappy rebuilt alternator??

Also what is a good alternative instead of OEM and rebuilt alternators?

Thanks guys!
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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by QWIK Z of OP
Background. My alternator went out about 2 years ago so I replaced it. Well it out again and I just replaced it again about 2-3 weeks ago with another rebuilt one from Autozone. My dad says sometimes rebuilt alternators just dont work well, and that it's hit or miss. He also was saying that some of the "electronic mods" I have done could possibly contributing a short somewhere. I dont think this is the problem b/c everything I have done have been mods off here. I'm going to list what I have done to see if anyone else may have had this problem.

Automatic sensor override (i can manually turn my headlights on and off now)
Brights stay on with Lows
Fogs stay on with Brights
I recently installed a system (but that's not the first so I dont think that is it)

Do you think it could be the crappy rebuilt alternator??

Also what is a good alternative instead of OEM and rebuilt alternators?

Thanks guys!
Stop buying rebuilt alternators.

Go buy a Pro-Start from Advance Auto, I think PepBoys has them too.
100% Lifetime warranty, period.

So, you'll never pay for another alternator again. I have one on my 427ci and a 1,000 watt amp, its perfect. Never has any drops in power no matter what I'm doing. $149.00
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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 09:52 PM
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these have lifetime warranties too, but they're all rebuilt.
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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by QWIK Z of OP
these have lifetime warranties too, but they're all rebuilt.
whats the brand? Maybe they just aren't any good as a company.
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Old Apr 24, 2009 | 05:12 PM
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its a duralast
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Old Apr 24, 2009 | 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by QWIK Z of OP
its a duralast
Stop buying duralast.

Try Pro-Start...they are doing great for tons of people.
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Old Apr 24, 2009 | 07:39 PM
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well i only bought the first one and the rest have been free. i dont have 150 right not to spend on another brand. maybe one day in the future. thanks for your help!
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Old Apr 24, 2009 | 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by QWIK Z of OP
well i only bought the first one and the rest have been free. i dont have 150 right not to spend on another brand. maybe one day in the future. thanks for your help!
Also, something to check out which I would think you would have noticed by now. Make sure there's no power steering fluid leaking from the reservoir onto the alternator. Thats pretty common, and it'll kill one in a week.
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Old Apr 25, 2009 | 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by LS6427
Also, something to check out which I would think you would have noticed by now. Make sure there's no power steering fluid leaking from the reservoir onto the alternator. Thats pretty common, and it'll kill one in a week.
oh ok, i will check that out. thanks bro!
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Old Apr 25, 2009 | 04:09 PM
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does anyone know which wires to use on a 4 terminal altenater. i put a 5.3 vortec in 1985 swb. i have 3 wires 1 red 1 brown ,1 red hot all times ,and 1 red back of altenater battery, brown volt meter gauge.which ones connect and were to the 4 terminal plug. any help welcome.
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