Alternator!!!!

[lilwalk]

NEED HELP!! I accidentally got wiper fluid all over my alternator. I went to start car and now all the lights flicker and car wont start. What to do?

[GTP Dad]

Once the alternator dries out it should work normally. If the issue continues however you have probably damaged the wiring and it will need to be replaced. The alcohol in the fluid should evaporate very quickly but the water may cause some issues until it has completely dried.

It sounds like you have another issue given the fact that the car will not start. The starting power comes from the battery not the alternator so check the battery connections and the connection to the back of the alternator to make sure it is charging. If you spilled the fluid on the alternator a couple of days ago and it worked normally for a couple of days and now it won't start you will need to recharge the battery and replace the alternator.

[lilwalk]

Its getting power. the lights come on and the warning lights flashes on the DIC. the chimes ring when I put the key in. the first warning sign is the charge failure and then it goes through all of the warnings. everything was working fine until the fliud got in the alternator and fuse box.

[aleekat]

Well, your original post didn't say anything about the fuse box. I would pull all fuses and relays(remember where they go) Try a shop vac to get excessive moisture out. Then maybe an air compressor to blow the fluid out. If you can position a fan to blow directly on the fuse box. If you can let go overnight would be best. Hopefully you didn't short anything out.

[lilwalk]

Got it running again. Had to get a new battery. Thanks guys.