Alternator replacement DIY??
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 136
Likes: 2
From: Auburn WA
Anyone with first hand knowledge on why the transmission is relevant to the alternator???
It doesn't make any sense to me. Aftermarket offers same one fits both, Valeo offers a 110amp and a 140amp (both as direct fit). Billet tech offers 170amp and 240amp ones that fit both?
*** senior forum members are warning that only exact replacement works! use extreme caution***
I have seen weird requirements from other manufacturer's (VW vin number matching requirements), but never on Chevrolet.
What is the real deal? Any one know for fact?
My 2008 manual 6spd alternator just quit charging...
It doesn't make any sense to me. Aftermarket offers same one fits both, Valeo offers a 110amp and a 140amp (both as direct fit). Billet tech offers 170amp and 240amp ones that fit both?
*** senior forum members are warning that only exact replacement works! use extreme caution***
I have seen weird requirements from other manufacturer's (VW vin number matching requirements), but never on Chevrolet.
What is the real deal? Any one know for fact?
My 2008 manual 6spd alternator just quit charging...
Last edited by C5forFun; Feb 1, 2016 at 09:34 PM. Reason: update
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,977
Likes: 487
From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
Corvettes can be a little weird on alternators (I remember LT1 C4 owners also reported some odd problems), I just had my factory one rebuilt by a trust local shop rather than chance an aftermarket replacement.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tem-fault.html is a good old topic listing changes.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tem-fault.html is a good old topic listing changes.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Automatics have a damper pulley on the front that dampens out belt harmonics caused by the low idle rpm. It has nothing to do with the electrical side and many people run automatics without the damper pulley without hurting anything, but some people will tell you it can break brackets and damage belt drive parts.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 120
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 234
From: Round Rock Texas
OR you could just buy this and fix it yourself
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290953992655...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
You have to check there are two different ones depending on your alternator
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290953992655...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
You have to check there are two different ones depending on your alternator
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
So awhile back I had mine rebuilt and I kept getting charging system fault when I got it back. Looks like they put in a automatic regulator so yes it absolutely matters if it's auto and what year. Kudos to the place because the owner gave me his off his 04z cause he felt bad I had to come back 3x and I had the blower on the car so kinda sucked having to take off and put it on..he called me a few days and told me about having the automatic part in it and thus the error codes. He let me keep his and just threw my old one on his
Last edited by Chicago1; Apr 19, 2017 at 12:54 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
but there are different amprage alternators between years, between transmission and this has been an ongoing issue with the c5 which is why people should have their stock one rebuilt, not buy something from the parts store
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,443
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
There was never an amperage difference between transmissions or any electrical difference between the alternators on auto vs manual cars of the same year.
The simple fact that I stated was to attempt to put a stop to the WRONG information saying the regulator is dependent on the transmission type. Sadly, it's yet another piece of bogus info spread across this forum that people who don't know will have to figure out themselves.
Once again, the only model year difference between auto and manual transmission alternators is the decoupler pulley, which is a completely mechanical part with nothing electrical about it.
The sticky by Dadaroo (Sam RIP) is very good factual information.
The post by GCG with the regulator info is very good factual information.
Both are data you can rely on.
There are a number of "insider expert" posts that are constantly pointed to which are full of completely misleading information, mostly either a completely made up false explanation about how the alternator functions, completely bad information on how the PWM feedback circuit works or falsely claiming the car monitors the current draw of the various individual circuits.
Last edited by lionelhutz; Apr 21, 2017 at 12:51 PM.
