altenator issue?

[ktiwefly]

I've had this problem for about a month now. I'll be driving along everything fine and then the voltage will drop from a healthy 14Amps to 9A. If highway driving I can usually drop the speed down and then it will jump back up to 14A. I brought it to Autozone and it was running at 9A when I got there. when they went to test it it was running at 14A again. They said the alternator was charging fine but couldn't offer me a solution. Help? Anybody..... thanks!

[tableman]

I have a 1996 Astro, my alternator was doing the same thing for about 2 months, but then quit completely on me when I was on Vacation, 2000 miles from home. But was able to get to a Auto shop and had a new one put in for $450.00 and we were on our way in a hour. Just a little advice if this happens to you, pull the fuse for headlights, to conserve energy while you drive to a repair shop. We had to travel an hour to get to a shop, if it was not for one of those portable battery booster, we would not have made it, because I didn't think of pulling the fuse on the on all the time running lights.

[J-Ri]

Voltage is measured in volts, not amps. As for as charging, did they check the amperage the alternator is putting out, or just say it's good because it's at 14 volts? Sounds to me like you probably have a few diodes that have gone out. It will still put out enough voltage, but not nearly enough amperage.
Think of it as having 8 AAA batteries, they're each 1.5 volts, for a total of 12 volts. But there is absolutely no way they'll power anything but the clock and maybe a lgiht or two. When the voltage drops to 9, you have an amperage draw that is greater than what the alternator can produce. It will come back up when the load goes away.

To test the alternator, start the vehicle and unhook the battery. Turn on the headlights, hazards, honk the horn, etc. Draw as much power as you can. If the engine dies, replace the alternator.

[Cadilad]

Originally Posted by ktiwefly

I've had this problem for about a month now. I'll be driving along everything fine and then the voltage will drop from a healthy 14Amps to 9A. If highway driving I can usually drop the speed down and then it will jump back up to 14A. I brought it to Autozone and it was running at 9A when I got there. when they went to test it it was running at 14A again. They said the alternator was charging fine but couldn't offer me a solution. Help? Anybody..... thanks!

Been there done that!! My 95 did the exact same thing, replace your alternator.

[gat1954]

Autozone has Replacement alternators for Reman for about 130 Dollars.... for a 1996 Astro van all you have to do, is

1) Disconnect the Battery
2) Take the Front Top Shroud off... including the air Cleaner.
3) Take the Serpentine Belt off, by relaxing the Belt Tensioner with a 3/8 Drive wrench, of some length
4) Take off the alternator, with the Two bolts holding it .... I think that you can disconnect , the Electrical hook up wires,,,,
5) Bring it to An Alternator Shop for Re-building and you will probably Save more depending on Brushes , Rectifier, or Diodes ..

[kennydoesit]

This is a common problem with the '95 Astro Van. I've tried 3 alternators and still the same problem (the gauge lingering in the 9V area - discharging).

There is sometimes a deeper problem going on. I still havent figured out what was going on under the hood of that van.

[Swagger]

Originally Posted by kennydoesit

This is a common problem with the '95 Astro Van. I've tried 3 alternators and still the same problem (the gauge lingering in the 9V area - discharging).

There is sometimes a deeper problem going on. I still havent figured out what was going on under the hood of that van.

Sorry I just notice you have a problem I just got today I have a 95 Astro/AWD with 134,000 beside my AWD acting up my battery light is blinking but I have a little power but it won't start the vehicle is it mind alternator or do I need a new battery because it a little old

[Swagger]

Originally Posted by Swagger

Sorry I just notice you have a problem I just got today I have a 95 Astro/AWD with 134,000 beside my AWD acting up my battery light is blinking but I have a little power but it won't start the vehicle is it mind alternator or do I need a new battery because it a little old

Can anyone help me with my problem

[kennydoesit]

I've recently learned that my Astro Van is a VIN:'W'. meaning the 8th alpabet/number in the VIN number (located in the windshield) is a 'W'. I checked partsamerica.com's site for an alternator for that vehicle. Okay, I notice that they have a different alternator for the VIN: 'W'. This is because, that alternator also has a VACUUM connection on the back of it. The VAC connection from my engine's manifold is SUCKING something from the alternator. I wonder what? Anyways, I have the regular CS130 alternator and I know that it's the wrong one! My next move is back to the parts store to get the correct alternator. If that doesnt do it, I'm changing my ignition switch!

(* the reason I wanna change the IG switch is, because it is the ACTIVator of the signal for my BATT light; which is NOT coming on with the key in the RUN position).