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Hello ETCG members-
I’m about to replace the alternator for the third time. The first time was at 150K, 2nd alternator that died was an aftermarket bought at O’Rileys a month ago, lifetime warranty. Probably should have gone with OEM, but had not choice at the time. :blink: Battery might be toast as well, not sure, bought it at Costco a month ago, just going to replace it. Had the typical bad alternator symptoms both times, flashing light, gauges not working, battery not charging, etc. Just wondering, is there something I should also be looking at that would kill a brand new alternator so quickly? Aside from being a POS aftermarket. Maybe ground cables? Need some suggestions please…Thanks
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before you go replace another alternator i would suggest check the battery, a dead battery won’t hold a charge from the alternator, a batteries static voltage should be some 12.6V give or take a bit, and should during starting not drop below 9.6 Volts…
also check the connections too the battery, make sure there is no corrosion, also check the connection too ground and the connections too the alternator… and remember when working on electrical too have the negative battery terminal disconnected from the battery.
also make sure the belt is properly gripping the alternator pulley..
this may help in your quest.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problemsAll that ace said is on the money.
12.6 volts give or take a couple of 10th’s, but not much more with no load on the battery. Over 9.5 volts cranking, and around 14.4 volts with the engine running. Have the battery tested. ANY time you replace the alternator, you should have the battery tested, a bad battery can make an alternator work way too hard, and cause the alternator to fail prematurely. At the same rate, an aftermarket rebuilt alternator can just up and fail prematurely for no good reason.
Check all connections at battery, starter, engine / body ground, alternator, and main fuse box to make certain they are clean, and tight. Replace the battery if it doesn’t test good, otherwise fully charge it, replace your alternator under warranty, and you should be in good shape.
Thanks for the tips! Battery was shot, so was the alternator. Went over everything to make sure they were clean. Installed the new alternator and battery, she fired up strong as ever. It was holding at 14.1v with load. Got good at replacing it, didn’t even need to reference the Honda Manual. Crossing fingers the new alternator will last as it should.
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