Electrical Problems still!!!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Middleton WI
Electrical Problems still!!!!!!!!!!
I have a 1993 Coupe that I have replaced the alternator 3 times in the last 2 months and only put a few hundred miles on it. I have replaced the battery and tried after market and Delco alternators... doesn't seem to matter. I have had it into the shop a few times with nothing from them except a nice bill.
Now, for the problem. I seem to notice the loss in voltage over time... every time I start the car it drops a little further, until around 13.5 volts and then the alternator heats up and starts to whine and BOOM!, time for another one. Any suggestions?
Now, for the problem. I seem to notice the loss in voltage over time... every time I start the car it drops a little further, until around 13.5 volts and then the alternator heats up and starts to whine and BOOM!, time for another one. Any suggestions?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
From: NYC NY
Re: Electrical Problems still!!!!!!!!!! (wi_philly)
I have been told that a corroded wire can build up resistance, and thus heat, causing an alternator failure. I had 3 alternators go out in a short span, but none in the last three years since my mechanic replaced a bad wire. It was so long ago that I'm not sure if it was the wire from the alternator or from the battery, but it might be something to look into.
Good luck.
Jeff
Good luck.
Jeff
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Mantua NJ
Re: Electrical Problems still!!!!!!!!!! (wi_philly)
When you say "then the alternator heats up and starts to whine" do you mean that the bearings are frying and locking up the shaft or is an electrical componet frying.
I usually take my alternators and starters to a local rebuilder to get them fixed. They will test them and let you know what the problem is.
I usually take my alternators and starters to a local rebuilder to get them fixed. They will test them and let you know what the problem is.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Electrical Problems still!!!!!!!!!! (wi_philly)
When the alternator is cold you should see the batt volts quickly climb to 14.3 volts and then as it warms up it will fall to 13.3 volts. I think you have high leakage current which discharges the battery and the alternator charges at very high current to recharge the battery and it can't take much of that because the high charging current adds to the alternator heat and shortens its life. I just measured my battery terminal volts with an accurate voltmeter and it measured 12.3 volts and the cluster said it was 11.6 (engine off). A fully charged lead-acid battery is 13.2 volts. I had the battery cables off last week and took the time to measure the leakage current after the courtesy lights went off. It was 26 ma. You might try to measure the leakage current and also measure the battery terminal volts in the morning before you start it to see if it is discharged. I have an 87. If you have significantly higher leakage current , then you need to find out where and correct it.
