1999 Grand Am SE

[totonicki]

On May 20, 2005 I bought a used 1999 Grand AM SE. It is a V6, 3.4 litre engine with an automatic transmission. Recently the ABS light started coming on. As per the manual that came with the car, I pulled over and turned the car off. I then tried to restart the car and it wouldn't start.

I knew it was the altinator, because the same issue happened with my 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier. The dealer who sold it to me said it was the factory installed security system.

I bought a new battery (old one depleted), and tonight the altinator was changed (tested first, wasn't charging new battery). I ran the car for approximately 5 minutes after the new alt. was installed to ensure it was charging the battery, that's fine, it works. My problem is, after 5 minutes the alt. was so hot you couldn't touch it.

I don't think this is good.
Could it cause an engine fire?

I told my boyfriend (who changed the alt.) that the old one was run longer before he changed it and he changed that without burning his hand, so this doesn't seem to be right. His response was that it might be a sensor. Doesn't make sense to me. He didn't change the sensor (if there is one). Another person thinks he tightened the belt too much. ARRRRGGG! Too many answers!

There's more but I won't bore you with it.

What could cause a brand new alt. to overheat?

Thanks so much,


Nicole

[GTP Dad]

There are a couple of things that can cause this. First, it is trying to put out enough voltage to charge both the battery and run the engine. Have the battery recharged using a charger and see if that helps. The second issue may be that the alternator wiring is not tight causing the alternator to work too hard to run the car. Sometimes these corrode and need cleaned.

You are right that this is not good for the alternator and if it overheats too much it will fry itself and could catch fire. If it continues I would take it to a mechanic and have him look at it. Tell your boyfriend that there aren't any sensors connected to the alternator that would cause this problem.

Also, welcome to the forum!

[totonicki]

Thanks for replying. I've since changed the altinator (again) then I had to change the belt tensionner and belt. Seems it's A-Okay now.