2 Alternators later
chevis_regal
Member Posts: 4
I apologize ahead of time for the length of this.
As I pullout of my drive way one morning, I hear what appears to be that weird alternator whine sound. As I continue to drive, my batter light comes on and and its all down hill from there. After all of the electrical components (radio, a/c, windows and steering) in my car completely shuts down on my way to work, I coast to the side of the street. I bring it to a guy who I trust and has done work on a few of my other cars over the last 8 yyears. I tell him I got a new battery from Autozone about 4 months ago, and he tells me to return it and get a fresh one. I do so, and when he puts in the new battery, the alternator starts to smoke. He replaces the alternator, and I'm felling good. The following morning, as I start my car, it hesitates but does start. I turn it off, start it again...and the same thing happens. So now I'm no longer feeling good, but my car is running so that's progress. The next day, my car starts right up...everything is good. On my way to work the following day, my battery light comes on again and I'm like oh [non-permissible content removed] not this again. I stop by the same guy, and he tests my battery and alternator, and he tells me they both check out perfect. However, he says just because its a new alternator, does not mean its not the problem, so he replaces it. After this my car is rolling again and I'm feeling good once again. Now after a few days, my battery light is coming on and off periodically, but does not stay on for more than 3 to 5 seconds. I know I can bring it back to my guy again, but what are some possibilities that I can explore personally as to save myself some time and money.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated and I again apologize for the length of this post.
As I pullout of my drive way one morning, I hear what appears to be that weird alternator whine sound. As I continue to drive, my batter light comes on and and its all down hill from there. After all of the electrical components (radio, a/c, windows and steering) in my car completely shuts down on my way to work, I coast to the side of the street. I bring it to a guy who I trust and has done work on a few of my other cars over the last 8 yyears. I tell him I got a new battery from Autozone about 4 months ago, and he tells me to return it and get a fresh one. I do so, and when he puts in the new battery, the alternator starts to smoke. He replaces the alternator, and I'm felling good. The following morning, as I start my car, it hesitates but does start. I turn it off, start it again...and the same thing happens. So now I'm no longer feeling good, but my car is running so that's progress. The next day, my car starts right up...everything is good. On my way to work the following day, my battery light comes on again and I'm like oh [non-permissible content removed] not this again. I stop by the same guy, and he tests my battery and alternator, and he tells me they both check out perfect. However, he says just because its a new alternator, does not mean its not the problem, so he replaces it. After this my car is rolling again and I'm feeling good once again. Now after a few days, my battery light is coming on and off periodically, but does not stay on for more than 3 to 5 seconds. I know I can bring it back to my guy again, but what are some possibilities that I can explore personally as to save myself some time and money.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated and I again apologize for the length of this post.
0
Comments
Sure sounds like the belt is slipping is at least a possibility. Think about what's happening now. The car starts and runs normally, but after a period of time, the battery light comes on. If the belt is slipping, it's also heating up, and expanding, getting slightly looser in the process. The alternator output drops, the battery light comes on.
Still could be something else, but the belt tension is a simple one to look at.
I go back to the mechanic and be straight with him and NOT confrontational. The problem is recurring, I think it might be the belt since I'm assuming the replacement alternator is good and a loose, slipping belt might explain what's happening.
Charging system problems that result in the PCM commanding the instrument cluster to turn the lamp on will set trouble codes which can be retrieved and that will help with the diagnostics. If the tensioner is suspect the easiest way to prove that is to measure the system voltage at 2000-2500rpm. Then turn on every possible accessory (headlights, AC, high speed on the blower motor, headlights, rear defogger, heated seats etc.) which will result in the alternator having to generate its maximum current output. If the belt starts slipping, you should be able to hear it, plus the system voltage would hold up to a point and then drop below the specifications and you should get your warning light.
BTW some aftermarket alternators simply don't perform to the PCM's requirements and a random warning lamp is common. The shop might have to go with a different source for the replacement alternator.