Alternator replacement problems.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville MD
Alternator replacement problems.
Has anyone had a problem replacing the alternator on a 2003?
Here is my problem. The alternator clutch is making noise and will probably fail in the future so I decided to replace the whole alternator being that the car is 10 years old. So, I have installed three different alternators (remanufactured, from three different sources) to date and all three will not charge. I took the second one to Autozone to be tested, even though I didn't get it from them, and it showed bad. Now I got one from Autozone and it does the same thing, Charging System Fault, and the amp gauge is showing around 9 to 10 volts. Checked the output with a meter to be sure it was correct. BUT, when I put the old alternator back on everything works just fine, other than the clutch pulley that is going bad. So has anyone had this problem? Is there a first and second generatoin alternator and I keep getting the wrong one. Do remanufactured alterantors just not work on C5's. I'm stumped...........
Here is my problem. The alternator clutch is making noise and will probably fail in the future so I decided to replace the whole alternator being that the car is 10 years old. So, I have installed three different alternators (remanufactured, from three different sources) to date and all three will not charge. I took the second one to Autozone to be tested, even though I didn't get it from them, and it showed bad. Now I got one from Autozone and it does the same thing, Charging System Fault, and the amp gauge is showing around 9 to 10 volts. Checked the output with a meter to be sure it was correct. BUT, when I put the old alternator back on everything works just fine, other than the clutch pulley that is going bad. So has anyone had this problem? Is there a first and second generatoin alternator and I keep getting the wrong one. Do remanufactured alterantors just not work on C5's. I'm stumped...........
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Acworth Georgia
I had a very similar experience. I tried 5 new AC delco units and none would work. We finally installed one off of a 99 vette and were shocked to find it worked and is still working perfect. Can't tell you why.
The odd thing is that we talked the owner of the 99 into letting me have his old alternator in exchange for my new one which works fine in his car but not mine. ???
The odd thing is that we talked the owner of the 99 into letting me have his old alternator in exchange for my new one which works fine in his car but not mine. ???
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 67
From: Bahama North Carolina
Has anyone had a problem replacing the alternator on a 2003?
Here is my problem. The alternator clutch is making noise and will probably fail in the future so I decided to replace the whole alternator being that the car is 10 years old. So, I have installed three different alternators (remanufactured, from three different sources) to date and all three will not charge. I took the second one to Autozone to be tested, even though I didn't get it from them, and it showed bad. Now I got one from Autozone and it does the same thing, Charging System Fault, and the amp gauge is showing around 9 to 10 volts. Checked the output with a meter to be sure it was correct. BUT, when I put the old alternator back on everything works just fine, other than the clutch pulley that is going bad. So has anyone had this problem? Is there a first and second generatoin alternator and I keep getting the wrong one. Do remanufactured alterantors just not work on C5's. I'm stumped...........
Here is my problem. The alternator clutch is making noise and will probably fail in the future so I decided to replace the whole alternator being that the car is 10 years old. So, I have installed three different alternators (remanufactured, from three different sources) to date and all three will not charge. I took the second one to Autozone to be tested, even though I didn't get it from them, and it showed bad. Now I got one from Autozone and it does the same thing, Charging System Fault, and the amp gauge is showing around 9 to 10 volts. Checked the output with a meter to be sure it was correct. BUT, when I put the old alternator back on everything works just fine, other than the clutch pulley that is going bad. So has anyone had this problem? Is there a first and second generatoin alternator and I keep getting the wrong one. Do remanufactured alterantors just not work on C5's. I'm stumped...........
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville MD
I had a very similar experience. I tried 5 new AC delco units and none would work. We finally installed one off of a 99 vette and were shocked to find it worked and is still working perfect. Can't tell you why.
The odd thing is that we talked the owner of the 99 into letting me have his old alternator in exchange for my new one which works fine in his car but not mine. ???
The odd thing is that we talked the owner of the 99 into letting me have his old alternator in exchange for my new one which works fine in his car but not mine. ???
Thanks.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville MD
Thanks for the input.....
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 243
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Has anyone had a problem replacing the alternator on a 2003?
Here is my problem. The alternator clutch is making noise and will probably fail in the future so I decided to replace the whole alternator being that the car is 10 years old. So, I have installed three different alternators (remanufactured, from three different sources) to date and all three will not charge. I took the second one to Autozone to be tested, even though I didn't get it from them, and it showed bad. Now I got one from Autozone and it does the same thing, Charging System Fault, and the amp gauge is showing around 9 to 10 volts. Checked the output with a meter to be sure it was correct. BUT, when I put the old alternator back on everything works just fine, other than the clutch pulley that is going bad. So has anyone had this problem? Is there a first and second generatoin alternator and I keep getting the wrong one. Do remanufactured alterantors just not work on C5's. I'm stumped...........
Here is my problem. The alternator clutch is making noise and will probably fail in the future so I decided to replace the whole alternator being that the car is 10 years old. So, I have installed three different alternators (remanufactured, from three different sources) to date and all three will not charge. I took the second one to Autozone to be tested, even though I didn't get it from them, and it showed bad. Now I got one from Autozone and it does the same thing, Charging System Fault, and the amp gauge is showing around 9 to 10 volts. Checked the output with a meter to be sure it was correct. BUT, when I put the old alternator back on everything works just fine, other than the clutch pulley that is going bad. So has anyone had this problem? Is there a first and second generatoin alternator and I keep getting the wrong one. Do remanufactured alterantors just not work on C5's. I'm stumped...........
Another option, to save on $, just take the old unit to an alternator repair/rebuild shop and have them remove and replace the decoupler hub.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville MD
I think I'm going to do what a couple of you guys have suggested and just have mine rebuilt. The place where I bought the first two thought I was crazy saying that neither one of theirs worked. Now I have to take this one back to Autozone and see what they have to say. I bought it on-line so I'm going to find out if they will take it back at the local store.
I really appreciate the feedback and I'm glad I'm not the only one who has experienced this.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Acworth Georgia
My suplier thinks they have or can get some. ?
ACDELCO GM ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
10316182 Alternator/Generator
1 03-03
110 AMP GEN(K63); OEM P/ N 10316182 OR 10246634; 2ND DES SEE 10353440;
10353440 Alternator/Generator 691.76 365.42 0.00
1 03-03
Alternator OEM P/ N 10355775, 10305776, 10350160, 10350161
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Acworth Georgia
Wow, I wonder how many alternators any of the local suppliers will let me go through to find a good one? Probably not many. I've changed alternators on most all the cars I've owned for years and have never encountered such a quirky problem. Glad I'm not the only one.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I even sent my old/bad one to advanced. They tested it and said it was fine but I noticed (on the test sheet) that they don't test L terminal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 301
From: Columbia SC
The alternator also has an interface with the PCM that a lot of rebuilders can not test or fix if there is a problem. I bought 2 NOS Valeo spare alternators for my car as part of my inventory. Even they may not work if or when they might be needed due to the C5 being so fickle.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 169
From: oregon
The last one I got, did indeed have a made in China sticker on it. It is supposed to be a reman but it looks like new. It is actually the best looking one of the three that I have gotten.
I think I'm going to do what a couple of you guys have suggested and just have mine rebuilt. The place where I bought the first two thought I was crazy saying that neither one of theirs worked. Now I have to take this one back to Autozone and see what they have to say. I bought it on-line so I'm going to find out if they will take it back at the local store.
I really appreciate the feedback and I'm glad I'm not the only one who has experienced this.
I think I'm going to do what a couple of you guys have suggested and just have mine rebuilt. The place where I bought the first two thought I was crazy saying that neither one of theirs worked. Now I have to take this one back to Autozone and see what they have to say. I bought it on-line so I'm going to find out if they will take it back at the local store.
I really appreciate the feedback and I'm glad I'm not the only one who has experienced this.
that made in china sticker was present on the one i just put in my ford as well. has a lot of output though. maintains 14.4v at idle with the lights, heater and stereo on with no problem
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville MD
The OE GM P/N is 10305775.
I had them cross the number at Autozone after the last one didn't work and they said that by this number they gave me the right one. Rebuilding the original one is what I've decide to do. I'd hate to keep trying more remaned units. Some of these parts suppliers give me funny look when I say it just won't work on my car and then I have to explain the problem. It's been kind of a funny experience.:crazy
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 243
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
GM (and AC Delco) part # that supersedes the OE number is 10353440.
Rock Auto sells the NEW ACD unit for $320.99 and with their discount code (I can give you) $304.94
Amazon shows same unit at $263.xx
OP: Considering the amount of time/money you've wasted on this matter so far, I would recommend using one of the two above quoted sources and have an all new unit. There are other sources for the same part number, but these two are two of the best prices I found.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 33
From: Morristown TN
I had the problem also.
Finally someone told me that the replacement had to have some computer chip inside it so that it could talk to the cars computer, then the computer would tell it to charge.
I ended up getting mine rebuilt by a local shop. It was cheaper than a rebuilt replacement
I am thinking it cost around $60
Finally someone told me that the replacement had to have some computer chip inside it so that it could talk to the cars computer, then the computer would tell it to charge.
I ended up getting mine rebuilt by a local shop. It was cheaper than a rebuilt replacement
I am thinking it cost around $60
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,840
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
I had the problem also.
Finally someone told me that the replacement had to have some computer chip inside it so that it could talk to the cars computer, then the computer would tell it to charge.
I ended up getting mine rebuilt by a local shop. It was cheaper than a rebuilt replacement
I am thinking it cost around $60
Finally someone told me that the replacement had to have some computer chip inside it so that it could talk to the cars computer, then the computer would tell it to charge.
I ended up getting mine rebuilt by a local shop. It was cheaper than a rebuilt replacement
I am thinking it cost around $60
You just cant cross reference an alternator that fits the bracket and has the correct connections. It has to communicate with the PCM via the L terminal.
