Hello all!

Just got back from my dealership knowing that I had to replace my belt tensioner and the belt, however, they also told me I need to replace my generator.

At first I thought this was the alternator but I'm not entirely sure.

Does anyone have any possible insight to this and also what the generator impacts on the vehicle?

 

Generator? If they mean alternator (...which is kinda a red flag in itself) how do they know its failing?

 

Basically I have the same question.

They detailed it on the inspection sheet that they gave me as I was leaving the dealership. I had gone there originally to get my rear pads replaced with power stop brake pads and they refused to install them I guess because they're not delco.

But all it mentioned on the inspection was "generator."

 

Okay, figured it out!

So the dealership listed it as a generator, however, to left it was a row of numbers which turns out to be the GM part number. When I looked it up that part number turned out to be an alternator. I don't know why they call an alternator a generator but ehhhh, whatever.

There's also a couple of numbers to the right of the word, next to generator is 2.275. I'm guessing that's the number of labor hours to install?

 

They called it a generator because that's what GM calls it in their parts catalogs and service manuals.

https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/g...-84331091.html

 

So interesting it's in a subcategory named "Alternator"

 

"Generator" is a carry over from the past.

The modern device is an alternator which makes AC current / voltage. There is an integral rectifier which converts AC into DC current / voltage combined with a voltage regulator to set battery charging voltage.

Why change? Years back, cars had generators which made DC current / volts and a separate voltage regulator. The problem was that a DC generator had carbon brushes for electrical connection to the rotating part (rotor) of the generator and they would wear out and need replacement. Alternators make AC current and don't need brushes - so they last longer and don't have parts that wear out periodically.

Ron

 

The word generator is a correct electrical term. An alternator is a specific type of generator that produces AC power. Think about it this way, the power company uses huge fossil-fueled generators to produce power. That power is AC power. In 1960 Chrysler introduced alternators in their cars since they were more efficient. Having an alternator was a selling point if the competing car had a generator instead. GM introduced alternators in 1963 and Ford made them a standard offering in all vehicles in 1965.

Bill

 

It is their right. After all, how cool would it be if I went to your restaurant and had you cook my steak and potatoes that I just carried in? What could top that? How about if I complain that it didn't taste good and now I blame you and you blame the food I brought in. OK, there is definitely some mark up on the Delco pads but they do carry them in inventory and have to make good on it if something goes wrong. So there's that. I had bought a fuel level gauge from the MB dealer. Sure, it cost more but when they installed it and something went wrong, they had to drop the tank again on their dime. I didn't want to save the few bucks on that one, fortunately. Some place will install your product BUT only warranty their work. Something goes wrong, you go argue with the supplier. Yep, BTDT and got both parties blaming the other and me paying for the redo.

I believe it is a GM term. No biggie.

 

I got the powerstop pads because the rear ceramics squeal during breaking after a long break-in period.

 

I get that. I don't think I am a OEM freak. I have had mods to my car. You just have to find a tech who is willing to install them with enough safeguards for them in case you come back to bite them.

 

Oh I know. I know of a couple of places so I'll hit them up. Even a Lingenfelter installer just 30 mins away...I'll only go to a Vette place specifically.

 

Never been to a Lingenfelter Installer. Been to Decatur and met the guy himself. Cool guy. I don't care if it is a Vette place. I need them to be cognizant of high performance stuff when I do more technical stuff. Brakes, anyone can do.

 

the good ol honda generator in the corvette!
anyway if they are saying it needs to be replaced i would assume they provided some sort of printout showing the issues?
maybe overcharging or undercharging perhaps?
i believe some auto stores still provide alternator testing but cant remember if its on the car or out.
its certainly possible they ran tests on various items when cars come in to "find" potential things to fix..

whats the voltage say on the dash?
having any starting/cranking issues?

 

Alternators have brushes in them too.....

 

I get you point about the steak. However, they could charge you an appropriate amount for cooking your steak. Say the cost of you ordering their steak but just cooking yours. Both win. They are ahead as they get the business, save their steak for the next customer, keep their cooks employed and make you happy. You got your steak cooked. This is a common practice where game fish may be caught on vacation.

The Chevrolet dealer, Fairway Chevrolet of Las Vegas, Nevada, where I purchased my 2017 Z06 Corvette new, refused to use the MANUFACTURER'S recommended oil, Mobil 1 15W-30 full synthetic for the 1000 mile oil change. They wanted to put the GM Full Synthetic 15W-30 oil into my new car.

Instead, I brought in my own oil for the 1000 mile oil change. They charged me for the service but installed my oil. It should have been free! It should have included the Mobil 1 15W-30, as the MANUFACTURER, Chevrolet, recommends.

I should have gone to another dealer!!!! I don't go to Fairway Chevrolet any longer and I would recommend that other Corvette owners don't patronize their dealership.

Putting after market brake pads won't void your warranty. If the dealer won't do it, take it somewhere competent and have them do it, or do it yourself.

Definitely replace the generator/alternator yourself. Use OEM parts or get an upgrade with a lifetime warranty from an aftermarket vendor.

AKBeaver

 

I know about vacation fish. I just never ran into a restaurant where they allow you to bring your own steak. Just not their business model to not make money on both labor and steak.

Should have given you whatever oil was paid for in the service if you use your own oil.

It shouldn't void any warranty unless it was directly the cause of problems. For example, if your break pad comes apart and takes a couple of things with it (wild example) then you are SOL.

That is an option if you have the skill and tools.