alternator

[muff34]

will the alternator from a `96 3.1 fit on a `99 3.4?

[GTP Dad]

No they are totally different part numbers and are different designs.

[muff34]

ok Thanks Dad . I didn`t think it would but had to ask haha. Heres the situation.......Son came home from school today ,car running like crap bigtime. high idle most of the electrical has gone south. I could see a couple idiot lights on . Went to the garage but tech was gone for the day. car shifts hard ,engine runs rough in park. He never shut it off. went home parked and shut it off . tried to start it but car was stone dead. hooked booster cables to it to boost ,things seemed to settle down but it would not start. checked battery (which does not appear to be that old) it was dead. Got another good battery in and started car. lights came on but passenger headlight out. checked alt with meter at battery it appears that it is not charging. So I would think it is a bad alt ,altho it seems odd that the headlight is out as well. It worked last night and no we have not checked or replaced light ...yet.

Any thoughts ??

Thanks

[GTP Dad]

It is possible that the light blew due to a voltage spike when the alternator completely failed. Or it could just be a coincidence. The alternator has probably gone south and if there was a low voltage condition then it can cause all types of things to happen such as rough running due to low voltage to the ignition module, ABS lights and etc. Replace the alternator but make sure that the battery is fully charged before installing it and keep the positive terminal disconnected until after the alternator is connected. If you connect the battery before installing the alternator it will damage it.

[muff34]

Thanks Dad. I replaced the battery with a known good battery. I tested battery it was mid 12`s I started the car and voltage started to climb very slowly, so I am guessing that alt is going south. I took the car for a quick ride with intentions on checking alt when I returned . the electrical seemed normal ,headlights worked ,stereo etc. Abs light went on and off a couple of times. I think that is par for the coarse with this car haha. Anyway got home and it was losing battery power again. So I have pulled the alt and will take it in for assessment on Monday. to re build it is about $90 and a reman alt is $190. I have used this fella before and have no issues with him doing it again. The alt does not appear to be that old ,however a young fella had car and I do beleive he may have had a hopped up stereo in car. The alt is a Delphi.
Some people have said to check the fuses ,which fuse in particular would I be looking for as a part of the problem with it not charging.
Thank you for your input .

[GTP Dad]

There may be a fusible link at the starter but I wouldn't waste your time. The alternator is bad and needs redone. If you check Rock-auto.com you may be able to save some money even with shipping. They have some of the best prices for parts.

[muff34]

Thanks for the Rock Auto tip Dad. I did have alt rebuilt on Monday as we did need the car asap. 1 yr warranty on rebuild. Thanks for your input ,very much appreciated