Man, battery light was on for a week and my battery finally died. I went ahead and replaced the alternator brushes and bought a new battery from Kragens. They tested my "new" alternator and said it was fine but the first test said it failed. Now the problem is back and I can't drive my car anywhere.

What I am wondering is what else in the alternator can really go wrong? Can the store just fail the alternator and battery test to try and sell me a battery? Any other connections I can check? Where else can I check? A new alternator rebuild is close to $300 whereas I spend $100+ fixing and a new battery.

*sigh* any help or donation of an alternator so I can trouble shoot would be wonderful. The car was driving for a about 150miles before the light came on and the car died.

Car is a 5spd SC300 with 197k miles on the clock.

 

Bad ground. there are several points on the engine and chassis. One or more is bad. also check the posts for corrosion on the wire itself, not just the clamps.

 

Strong, I had this same problem myself. If you DO need your alternator rebuilt and you're close to LA (slightly south of K-town) I know a place that will take great care of you. PM me if you need anything