Alternator??

[mcsvt]

Driving home this evening, my tach started to act funny, it would drop then go back to normal then drop. So I pulled over to see if anything was loose. Everything seemed fine. Got back in the car, wouldn't start, battery was to weak to start. So I get back out check the terminals, make sure everything is tight. Car barely starts. So I figure I will drive as far as I can, only 20 miles from home. Turn anything that I can off, but need headlights since it is dark. Notice tach, not working, speedo not working. Then lights go out, but car still running, barely. Start to pull over, car dies. No restart this time. Sounds like an alternator to me, but I want to make sure I am not missing something before I replace it tomorrow.

Anything else I should rule out? Probably going to charge the battery and check the charging system with a meter first.

[LeGweg]

Probably going to charge the battery and check the charging system with a meter first.

That's what I would do.

It does sound like a bad alternator.

[mcsvt]

Thanks, thats kinda what I figured.

What is the replacement alternator of choice?

[LeGweg]

I have no idea. Last time I had this problem, I took the alternator out of the car and brought it to a guy over here that specialises in fixing alternators and starters. It took him 5 minutes to fix it. It cost me only 10 bucks and it's been running fine for 2 years now

[mcsvt]

I should also mention I got codes

11 No ignition reference signal detected during cranking (bad Hall effect) OR timing belt skipped one or more teeth; OR loss of either camshaft or crankshaft position sensor. Can cause the engine to stop working entirely with no limp-home mode.

12 Battery or computer recently disconnected

53 Logic module internal problem


Could I get these codes from a bad alt? I have never checked the codes before, so i don't know what was in before tonight.

[Frank]

Sound like you need to clean your terminals and check the fluid levels in the battery itself.


Frank

[mcsvt]

Cleaning terminals and cables... charging battery(sealed)

Then I am going to go test the alternator at a shop I used to work at.

Two auto parts stores have my alternator in stock, one has a better warranty so I guess I will go with that one.

[mech1nxh]

Thanks, thats kinda what I figured.

What is the replacement alternator of choice?

my humble .02$ , replace the alt(if needed) with a nippondenso unit....
as compared to the bosch....much more reliable, and about the same price

[5sp. mini]

did you recharge battery? then check voltage at battery when car is off then start car and read voltage again, if the same alt is not putting out . when having it checked mine don,t seem to put out more than 13.5 to13.8 volt unlike a gm 14.5 and up. just a step in fixing it.AL

[mcsvt]

Yes, I recharged battery. Car started right up. Drove over to where the machine is and checked it out. First with car off. Battery = Good. Then with car running, no charge = alt bad.

I have the alternator out and just waiting on the new part. I wanted to go with the nippondenso, but there aren't any instock around me I am going to have the new one checked out before I buy it.

Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated.

[mcsvt]

Another update. Still waiting on new Alt.

Decided to check the plugs and I find Autolite plugs and wires , gezz glad I check they are getting changed out today.

[87glhs232]

Can you pull the brushes on your alt? May just be worn to nubs. It could only cost a few dollars to fix that one.

[mcsvt]

Already traded in the Alt. and didn't get a chance to pull it apart. New Alt. is in, as well as plugs and wires

Thanks again for the help guys.