97 Rodeo a/c out.

[mhejnicki]

The a/c and heater went completely out on me the other day. I also noticed that both the battery and brake idiot lights were on, and the battery gauge was showing slightly less than 12 volts. I've looked at all the fuses (in the passenger compartment and under the hood) and all the relays in the box near the battery. No other systems appear to be affected. I did notice that, strangely, a couple of times that I started the car with the a/c switch on while troubleshooting, the compressor blew for a split second before it cut off.

It's a 97 Rodeo, automatic, V6, 2wd. Any thoughts?

[amigo-2k]

Isuzu's with weak electrical systems do odd things. Typically with the lights you have on it means the alt is dyeing. Isuzu's are very picking about their Alts. Some have luck with the high end ones that Napa sells. You can pull your current alt and have it tested, but make sure it it load tested.

[mhejnicki]

Thanks for the advice. The power windows were acting a little sluggish, too, so alt makes sense. I know for a fact that the alt has been changed once before - because I helped do it, which is why I also know my Rodeo is a half-year and the alt needs to be re-clocked to fit - but that was probably a good 10 years ago. I upgraded the sound system about a year ago, so could the greater load on the alt have lessened it's lifespan? Ugh. At least it was a relatively painless job otherwise. I'll post again when I have updated info.