Alternator Problems

[94PontV6]

This may be a little long.

Started the car yesterday.. Voltmeter stayed in the red. Revved the car up and started to drive after about 5 minutes.. The meter popped up to normal. Started it later that night it did the same thing. This morning I started it is in the red, but not extremely low. I disconnected the ground cable to the battery and the car died. My question is, is it normal for the alternator to start and stop. Or is the electrical system in my car screwed up some way.. Either way, I have to use my lunchbreak to get a new alternator.

:mad:

[gregmondro]

have your dealer pay for the new alternator (under drivetrain warranty if you still have one).

if the dealer wants to argue about it (and you still have the warranty), argue with them. They will give in.

I just bought my car 3 weeks ago and I called about getting the alternator replaced (phone), but they said they didn't think it was covered. If i end up having to replace it, they are going to replace it free of charge under my warranty [img]graemlins/evilgrin.gif[/img]

[pgriffith]

His car is a 94, Im not sure if GM warrenty's are that long. My alternator did act a little funny off and on before it went out. Best thing you could do is just have autozone or a local parts store do a test on the battery and alternator.

[TealV6]

Eh.. hate to be the one to tell you. But the 3.4 has the tendencey to eat alts. I'm on the 4th one now. But one every 2 years could be worst.... could be one a year!!

BTW. Here in Detroit. You'll pay 130.00 for one.

Steve

[94PontV6]

Alright,
I went on my lunchbreak, get in the car and the damn thing acts like there's nothing wrong. I disconnected the ground wire and the car continued to run.. Can the belt or any of the pulleys be causing this problem? I'm gonna see what it does when I get off work and decide from there. Does the sqeaking that I get in the morning have anything to do with this also.. This will he the second alternator that I've had to replace on this thing.. the price for a new one is $116

Thanks for any info..

[2001 Green machine]

replace the belt ,your problem may go away. the squeeking could be a loose or worn belt causing the alt to not function right.

[Skullcamaro]

I agree, replace the belt first especially since it is the cheapest option. See if it helps if not then have your alternator and battery checked as well as your electrical/ignition system. Its a definante possibility that the alternator is the problem. I have had to replace my alternator twice within 2 years. But try the belt first.

[ July 16, 2002: Message edited by: Skullcamaro ]</p>