spencerfun

My battery discharge light started lighting up yesterday at low rmps - when I'm slowing down or at a complete stop. I feel like it must be my alternator going out. I do have a couple of subs and an amp, but I changed by battery about 2-3 years ago. What do you guys think?

If it is the alternator, then does anyone know a good link showing the proper why to change it? I've never done it before. thanks

spencerfun

I forgot to ask, where is the cheapest place to get one? Autozone wants $200+$105(core) = $305. Is there a cheaper alternative?

xknowonex

iTrader: (2)

Its the alternator

Try Kragens

Blurr

I think I will be getting mine from the Bay of E. They have some good prices there too.

Enigma8246

don't buy vital engine parts from ebay. you'll be glad you didn't. Alternator is not hard to do I just did mine yesterday.

Also, check your distributer and see if you have any oil coming out of the base. A common problem is for the distributer o-ring to leak oil down onto the alternator and gum it up. If you're leaking oil from the distributer pick up the o-ring too. It's cheap and it'll save u $ in the long run.

Enigma8246

If the core is that big a deal take it off in the parking lot of the auto parts store. I didn't do that yesterday because i had a spare set of wheels but i have done it before. just bring some jack stands because you do have to get at it from the underside.

Also, doing this lets you get it tested before buying a new one.

IOWNALEXUS

iTrader: (14)

ill bet aliga has a used one laying around he would sell for a reasonable price........cant beat OEM quality!!

spencerfun

Does anyone know a good link showing the proper why to change it? I've never done it before. thanks

Enigma8246

It's pretty straightforward. but a lot easier to do if you jack it up and have a shop creeper.

1. remove belt using 14mm wrench on the tensioner pulley and remove wiring from alternator. the plug in the back may be easier to get to after you remove the alternator from its supports.

2. remove 14mm bolt at top of alternator. it may make it easier to do this if you remove the air box but i have a short ram so wasn't a prob

3. remove under engine splash guard and remove 14mm bolt on bottom of alternator (there is also a line support attached with this nut and you may or may not need a deep socket for this)

4. slide the alternator off the long bolt on the bottom, pull it out from the bottom and you're good. reverse order to install.

If i'm forgetting something someone please add to this.

QwkSC

iTrader: (1)

If you have a system, you might wanna get the lextreme 145 amp alternator.

topdog849

iTrader: (1)

i always remove it from the top. no need to take off the fan either

JspecSC3

iTrader: (4)

Its definitely your alternator. The cheapest alternative would be to get it rebuilt for less than $100 with a core.

Enigma8246

It could be done from the top but it was just easier for me to put it on jack stands and get under.

I wouldn't see any reason to remove the fan. i was referring to the air intake but i dont have one so i don't know if it would even be in the way.

94_soarer

iTrader: (8)

im now having the same issue with my sc3...was it the alternator or not???

6SOARER

iTrader: (20)

ALTERNATOR FOSHO!! My battery indicator light was on then I had to replace the alternator 2 weeks ago and the light went BYE BYE. Then my battery went bad, had to replace that. !! Im all charged up and lit like a X-mas tree