-Future-

Hi Guys,

The other day I was sitting in a BK drive through and my battery dash light came on and the car felt like it was going to die. I quickly turned off the heat and radio, the light went away and I made it home. Today my car won't start, just clicks but I have some power still. I'm thinking it's the alternator. Any thoughts? Where should I buy a quality alternator from? Might tackle the install myself. Found a great write up on this forum. I would bring the car to autozone if I can get it started so they could check the alternator but I have a newborn and toddler and don't want to risk stalking out somewhere in the snow!

Thanks!

SaiyanGS3

iTrader: (8)

I think that your battery just went out on you. If your alt was dead, it would've quickly pulled the juice from the battery and I doubt you would've made it home, unless you lived close to BK. my battery just gave up the ghost on me and I went through the same clicks as you described. Buy the best alternator from advance auto with life time warranty. Easy choice.

SorrGwa

iTrader: (1)

1) charge battery back up
2) get battery tested, midtronic test or something
3) get a charging test done, to see if there is enough amp return to the battery, thus alternator should be working. the test should include the car reving to 4000rpm. output in amps should be around 90+, any lower, means either the alternator needs servicing, voltage regulator needs replacing, or an all new alternator all together.
4) check tension of serp belt

robertoyou

iTrader: (1)

easy. if you have a regular battery (no deep cycle) just go to autozone or orileys and tell them to check your alternator. they will clamp (you dont have to unisntall anything or take out anything. they will come out and do it right then in there. only takes a few min) it. they will tell you right then and there after a few min if your battery is charging normal, what amps your alt is putting out etc. pretty much will tell you whats working and whats not or if ieverything is okay.

if you're going with just a basic alternator, which run like 150'ish, just go with autozone, they offer lifetime warranty on them so no worries about them blowing on you.

if you want aftermarket and a lot of power, i would consider DC Power or Mechman. I peronsally run DC and its been good to me and also very popular. but a lot of people also run Mechman.

Go get your electrical clamped at an autoparts store first though. Its the easiest way for you do it with out doing any work its FREE too.

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

if u have a GS430, i have a spare for cheap