Voltage regulation?
11-27-2018 | 01:06 AM
#1
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Voltage regulation?
I’ve had a few other posts here and for those that helped I appreciate it, haven’t had closure on those yet because something else keeps coming up.
Old alternator locked up, replaced it, new alternator locked up in 5 seconds, 2nd new alternator put out 14v for about 3 weeks then the voltage dropped to 12v, 3rd new alternator put out 13.8v and is slowly dropping after 2 weeks to 12.8v.
it has a brand new battery, only codes are O2 sensor and catalytic which I’m not replacing until I can trust it enough to drive it.
What could be causing these alternator problems?
Thanks
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Old alternator locked up, replaced it, new alternator locked up in 5 seconds, 2nd new alternator put out 14v for about 3 weeks then the voltage dropped to 12v, 3rd new alternator put out 13.8v and is slowly dropping after 2 weeks to 12.8v.
it has a brand new battery, only codes are O2 sensor and catalytic which I’m not replacing until I can trust it enough to drive it.
What could be causing these alternator problems?
Thanks
*Moved to Correct Forum by Administrator
*Note: xAEngine questions are Combined into the xA/xB1st Gen-Drivetrain-Power Sub-forum
Sticky Where to Post Your Question
______________________________
Last edited by MR_LUV; 12-07-2018 at 05:11 AM. Reason: Moved to Correct Forum by Administrator
11-27-2018 | 02:52 PM
#2
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What brand alternators are you putting in and have you taken it to one of the auto parts stores that will do full testing of the charging system? I'd be surprised to hear of three alternators going bad but I'm also a firm believer in going OEM when it comes to electronic components like alternators. How much tension are you putting on the belt when you install the alternators? Going too tight could lead to a lock-up problem.
11-27-2018 | 03:10 PM
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What brand alternators are you putting in and have you taken it to one of the auto parts stores that will do full testing of the charging system? I'd be surprised to hear of three alternators going bad but I'm also a firm believer in going OEM when it comes to electronic components like alternators. How much tension are you putting on the belt when you install the alternators? Going too tight could lead to a lock-up problem.
the car has not been to a place that can test the full charging system, just checking codes.
i really feel they are just crappy alternators and I was going to get a different one next time. There didn’t seem to be a separate voltage regulator.
i agree with OEM electrical parts but I needed it fixed fast and that was the only option at the time, so much for fast fix!
11-27-2018 | 05:07 PM
#4
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Yep, AutoZone would be about my last choice of places to buy electrical parts...with the time and effort you've got in this it would have almost been faster to get an OEM alternator (although certainly not less expensive). The other place I typically gt parts from, provided I'm not in a huge hurry, is Rockauto.
11-27-2018 | 07:08 PM
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All those alternators failing in quick succession is really weird. There must be something else going on - what I don't know - is the start motor sticking on?? Is there some huge power drain somewhere that is burning them out.
I did stumble across this site recently - I bet there are a few more - It may save you some money rebuilding them until you can find why they are melting down
I did stumble across this site recently - I bet there are a few more - It may save you some money rebuilding them until you can find why they are melting down
11-28-2018 | 03:00 AM
#6
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Yep, AutoZone would be about my last choice of places to buy electrical parts...with the time and effort you've got in this it would have almost been faster to get an OEM alternator (although certainly not less expensive). The other place I typically gt parts from, provided I'm not in a huge hurry, is Rockauto.
11-28-2018 | 03:04 AM
#7
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All those alternators failing in quick succession is really weird. There must be something else going on - what I don't know - is the start motor sticking on?? Is there some huge power drain somewhere that is burning them out.
I did stumble across this site recently - I bet there are a few more - It may save you some money rebuilding them until you can find why they are melting down
I did stumble across this site recently - I bet there are a few more - It may save you some money rebuilding them until you can find why they are melting down
12-07-2018 | 01:54 AM
#8
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Yep, AutoZone would be about my last choice of places to buy electrical parts...with the time and effort you've got in this it would have almost been faster to get an OEM alternator (although certainly not less expensive). The other place I typically gt parts from, provided I'm not in a huge hurry, is Rockauto.
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