Monday, October 24, 2011

Alternator problem? Not sure?

My truck stopped running yesterday while coming to an intersection so I can't tell if I lost the ability to steer, I was able to start it again right away.



This morning it turned on and the engine was %26quot;rumbling/shaking/vibrating%26quot;- not sure exactly how to describe it, then it died and it won't start again although it seems to want to turn over. I can open the electric windows.



Oil change 1900 miles ago, alternator replaced 4-5 months ago (although I know they can go %26quot;bad%26quot;), replaced two of the tensioners (not the AC tensioner) because the belt was %26quot;screaming%26quot;, belt is making noise again, new battery, 1/2 tank of gas.Alternator problem? Not sure?I would need more info-esp on the%26quot;seems to want to turn over%26quot; part.Make and model could help me narrow down to common%26quot;model specific%26quot; problems.How many belts??-3 tensioners??. Nothing you are describing is pointing at a bad alternator IMHO,but I need to know what its doing when you tried to restart it.Its relatively easy to test an alternator yourself with a multimeter,but even easier to take it to a %26quot;big box%26quot; parts store (i.e. Advance,PEP Boys etc.)its free,and can save you a lot.I'll keep an eye out for more info from you.Good luck-GEODAlternator problem? Not sure?really should replace belt tensioner when you replace belt but wouldnt maybe motor run bad that woul dbe fuel or spark problem if it was alternator bad wouldnt start many times and couldnt drive it much more than a hour or it would die and not start again more first id say add a fuel treatment check fuel filter then replace spark plugs then plug wiresAlternator problem? Not sure?1 check battery and connections...should be 12.7 V at restAlternator problem? Not sure?check your fuel pump relay, see if it went bad.Alternator problem? Not sure?Best way to check voltage output of an alternator is with an inexpensive volt meter. Clamp clamp the leads to the battery and set the meter @ 20 volts with the motor running. You should see between 13.5 - 14.0 volts on the meter. If the output voltage isn't within this bracket the alternator is a scrapper once again.



Wish you'd have included the year make and model of the truck. If the starter seems slow turning the motor over it sounds like a low voltage / amperage situation. A cheap way to test the battery is to turn on the headlights to high beam with you watching the lights while someone starts the truck. If they grow dim or go out your battery is low on voltage. You can test battery voltage with a volt meter also. After the battery has been sitting without being charged for at least 12 hours, hook the leads to the battery and set the center nob to 20 volts. You should see 12.85 volts on a fully charged battery. If it's under 12 volts you're going to have trouble starting a car or truck.