I am a new C5 owner. I am also new to this whole forum deal. My alternator is not performing properly. Is it a fairly easy fix to replace the brushes, or would I be better off replacing the whole alt.?

 

Depends on what's wrong with it, there is a writeup on replacement-do a search for it but it could be the internal regulator also. How many miles on it?

 

These are not your old GM 3 wire alternator. They are more difficult to take apart. However I had a local alternator shop rebuild mine and it worked great. the cost is about the same has buying one from a local parts store.

With that said the last one I bought I got from Oreileys with a lifetime warranty.

Either way works.

 

Thank you to both dougbfresh & HP addict for your advice regarding my alternator. My mechanic recommended the replacement but a friend who I also respect when it comes to this type of work suggested replacing the brushes. I am very fortunate in that I have a mechanic that I trust. He told me that the cost would be similar for both procedures so thank you for your confirmation.

 

First thing I would suggest it to get rid of your mechanic... this alternator/gen is not a regular GM alternator, it communicates specifically with your PCM, not that of any other GM car. However there are several GM alternators that will fit and will give the correct output, but they will not communicate on the same link as your original because it has a special internal switch. Ive told people for the last ten years Not to give up their original alternator. Your mechanic obviously knows nothing about this special charging system. Once you give up your alternator you may find that the only way is to have the dealer install it and to re flash you PCM with an appropriate algorithm that will accept the alternator..with a special switching.This will cost you 500 to 600 dollars. You can not even change alternators with later model C5's. The best advice would be to find a shop that will rebuild your alternator, and there is much more to it then replacing the brushes.. If you look under the alternator, you should see a nameplate that says Valeo made in France 110 amp. If it doesnt then you have the wrong alternator in your car, which may causing you problems.. if you do have the valeo, made in France never exchange it. Rebuild it only.
here is what the nameplate should look like, note the part number which you can no longer buy.


Good luck and welcome to the forum
Bill aka ET

 

Interesting.

However I got my last alternator from Oreileys and have not had any problems. It is a rebuilt Valeo unit. Maybe I got lucky.

 

So ET, what you're saying is that if I'm on a road trip and my alternator goes out I'm stuck waiting for a rebuild shop to repair it rather than just having it replaced? Another brilliant GM idea.

 

You state (imply) that later C5's have a different alternator. When did GM make the change, and what are the differences? Are the later C5 alternators "keyed" to the Vette as well?

Thanks,
Plasticman

 

Had mine (01Zo6 with 68k working perfectly) taken apart by a repair shop so I could polish the metal housings.... It's now being rebuilt/reassembled... I'll let you know how it works.

 

I dont imply or suggest, I state the fact./ take it or leave it.

 

Ut oh.......

 

OK, you made the statement. Now what are the differences.....that is what I was asking.

Don't get your undies in an uproar because you did not state it clearly enough for a dummy like me to understand it.........Read my whole set of questions, not just "state" or "imply".

Again, Thanks..........
Plasticman