Alternator problems

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Sep 24, 2008 | 09:31 AM

tcesni

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Alternator problems

I have a 2002 Tribute V6 FWD. The truck has been great until the past few months. On July 4 the alternator failed and was replaced by a local garage with a NAPA piece that carries a lifetime guarantee. About 2 months later this unit failed and the garage replaced it at no charge to me. Only two weeks later the alternator failed again. It seems unlikely that two replacement alternators would fail in such short time unless something else was amiss and damaging the units. My question is what are they missing? The mechanic has another alternator but is hesitant to stick it in unless he can figure out why they are failing. Its not an easy job to replace. Any advice would be appreciated.

Oct 10, 2008 | 08:34 PM

Beast12

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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!

Not sure if you have figured it out or not but you should have your battery tested. Sometimes a weak battery will take out good alternators.

Let us know how it goes.

-Matt

Oct 11, 2008 | 11:52 AM

alon

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Joined: Feb 2006

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Ihad a t-bird that did the same thing . Tested the battery at two places ,both said it was fine.Itread 12.39 volts-ok. Ifound out later a battery should read 12.6volts.Put anew battery in and it was fine.

Oct 11, 2008 | 01:36 PM

budwich

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If your alternator loses its connection to a "battery supply" (ie. bad cable, connection), then it may have a problem as the battery voltage is used as part of the regulator to maintain a voltage. Ultimately, it isn't good to run an alternator without a battery.