98 2.2 L Voltage

[lostaggie]

I have a 1998 extended cab with the 2.2 L. Recently I have watched the voltage fluctuate when idling. I figured it was the alternator/voltage regulator going out after 102000 miles. Well sure enough just this week the alternator gave up the ghost. So I replaced it yesterday with a new Napa Gold Alternator. Everything seems good but I am still watching the voltage fluctate when idling. It happens regardless of the air conditioner being on or turn signals. I don't know if I should be concerned about this, could this be the reason the alternator went out in the first place? I would like to think that its just the guages having a little fun after 100,000 miles and not have to go on a electric witch hunt.

[dwinthrup]

get a new batter no matter when you bought it if the alt goes it can take the battery and vise vers and check connections

[smokey041369]

check all wiring to the starter and from the alt make sure they are tight and don't have any frays in them

[tbante]

Just curious, how much did you pay for that NAPA alternator? Mine went out this week also (also a 98) with 120 thousand miles. It just looked too tight in there so I took it to the dealer to replace. Was it hard to replace?
It might make you feel good if I told you I had to pay $380.

[lostaggie]

I tried to get a cheaper one around $100, but no one else in town had them in stock and NAPA only had the most expensive one they sell. So I ended up paying 170 (lifetime warranty) and losing a little skin off the knuckles. As for checking the wiring, I was really hoping someone had a silver bullet fix and not an electric witch hunt. Maybe I will put the lifetime warranty to the test and see if whatever is causing the fluctation will cause another alternator to go bad. But on the other hand if I don't find the cause it may eat the engine control module next...

[smokey041369]

you don't have to rip the harness apart, check the wires where they are exposed for frays

[Isuzupickup]

Hey Lostaggie

I know your Pain, I am having the VERY EXACT same problem. Today my altenator when I out. I was able to go for about 3 months with the voltage guage acting up. PLEASE post your update. I would like to know what you have done to fix it. I hear a huming noise coming from the engine however I have not been able to indentify where it is coming from.

[lostaggie]

Well so far I have replaced the battery, and checked/cleaned the grounds and wires on everything that I can find. I haven't found a solution yet. My next plan of action is to start pulling fuses on non essential items, maybe further isolate the short that way. Other than that I have just been driving it. I will let you know if I find a fix.

P.S. I am thinking of taking it to a priest for an exorcism...