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How to check pcm alternator control

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Old May 21, 2016 | 08:06 PM
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Default How to check pcm alternator control

I have been going thru alternators at the drags, I don't rev over 6500--shifts are computer controlled. I get maybe 6 or 8 runs and the dash lights up and beeps check alternator. I can drive to Florida and back and not a problem. It's only when I go wot. I have a new charging cable, new battery, no frayed wiring, runs great, no other electrical problems. Does anyone know how I can check if it is in the pcm control--E40? I just put on another rebuilt alt and at idle it is charging 14.3 volts--but the others did too.
Any ideas are appreciated.
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Old Jun 3, 2016 | 01:13 PM
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U may need to change pulley on alternator.....
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Old Jun 3, 2016 | 05:29 PM
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The alternator decoupler is probably bad (do you have one), but they are not cheap or easy to come by anymore. I know Rockauto sells one for a GTO.
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 08:10 AM
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By decoupler, do you mean the clutch type pulley? All 6 of the alternators had one. Hard to believe they all go bad that fast? What about a non clutch type pulley? Thanks
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Old Jun 7, 2016 | 06:12 PM
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The alternator decoupler protects the alternator from spinning too fast.
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 09:58 AM
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I will check RA, I don't know what a decoupler looks like.
OK, Looked at RA------
That looks like the same pulley that comes on the alternators that I have now ? You can turn the pulley one way and it spins the alt and turn it the other way and it just slips.

Last edited by dw456post; Jun 8, 2016 at 10:04 AM.
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 11:25 AM
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I received a UPS delivery notice today that my repaired alt will be delivered. It was from a different company than I purchased it from. I called them and they told me that I should buy a OEM alternator for this car and that the Chinese alt's would not hold up in drag racing-- even shifting at 4800. I bought the alt from a company that advertises 100% made in USA, so that was bullshit. I have requested a refund. I will see how that goes.
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 04:18 PM
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Hey Jontall, My original alternator was a Mitsubishi. I see on Rock Auto that the call AC Delco OEM. Do you know if that is correct and do I need to get the part from a GM dealer?
Thanks
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 02:52 AM
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Originally Posted by dw456post
Hey Jontall, My original alternator was a Mitsubishi. I see on Rock Auto that the call AC Delco OEM. Do you know if that is correct and do I need to get the part from a GM dealer?
Thanks
It's ACDELCO 92211821 on Rockauto and it is a Mitsubishi exactly like the OE alternator. The price is $187.99 + shipping. I would only buy from the dealer as a last resort. (Don't buy anything from eBay because the Chinese are knocking-off everything.) Rockauto discount code is: 4664944442039756
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 09:26 AM
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That's cheaper than an OReilly Chinese alternator. I'm gonna get one and try it. I just hate buying stuff like this from out of town. If something goes wrong, I have to ship it back and it takes weeks to get a return. That means that I still need to keep a spare.
Thanks for the info!!
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 09:48 AM
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That code saved me $9.40
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 09:49 AM
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Isn't that what it is supposed to do?
The pulley keeps it from over rev, then your
light comes on because it is in over rev
mode.
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 12:36 PM
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How do you get it out of over rev "mode" ? I took back 3 alt's back here locally. They checked them and all 3 were showing bad,--not charging. I'm game to try anything. I just ordered a solid pulley from IW to replace the clutch thing and try that.
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 02:49 PM
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It will be fine with the new ACDelco alternator.
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 02:57 PM
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That's what I need---Some positive news!!!!!!!!!
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 08:42 PM
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How do you get it out of over rev "mode" ?
ease up on the right foot.
I think I missed something in your original post.
I only read when you rev. light comes on, all other times is good.
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Old Jun 10, 2016 | 08:48 AM
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Yep, once the dash warning comes on, it stays on--alt is done. I'm going to the drags with the OReilly Chinese alt on my car today. I will see how many runs that I get before it pops. My OEM alt will be here next week . OR has a good warranty so I can just take it back and swap it out. Taking it off the car is a pain in the butt. It's down at the bottom, but has to come out the top. Drain radiator, take off intake tube, take off top radiator hose, remove fans---then I have less than a 1/4 inch clearance from the oversize radiator to get it out.
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Old Jun 10, 2016 | 02:18 PM
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Oh ok, sorry I didn't get that part.
I have heard something about a diode or
resistor to keep it from doing something like that
Can you put an analogue gauge off of the alt to check voltage temporarily in your car and watch
What happens at high RPM.
I'm just thinking on the keyboard.
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Old Jun 12, 2016 | 12:41 PM
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I can log it with HPTuners--but I didn't think about it. I logged a run but not with voltage on the list. Made three runs Friday and the OReilly alt didn't pop.
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