Alternator Problems

[mbck1100]

Hey guys my girlfriend has a 1999 Astro Van. The alternator has gone out on it 3 different times. Any clue on what I should have checked that could be causing the alternator to be going out?

[old_master]

Other than checking body grounds and connections, I would suggest checking the quality of the alternator. A good quality alternator, be it remanufactured, rebuilt, or new, it should minimally last 5 years.

[RonB]

Make sure the battery is good. I have been told that a bad battery will cause the alt to overwork (trying to charge batt), and burn it out. I have also been told by mechanics to never use the alt to charge up a low batt, always use a batt charger.

[mbck1100]

Originally Posted by RonB

Make sure the battery is good. I have been told that a bad battery will cause the alt to overwork (trying to charge batt), and burn it out. I have also been told by mechanics to never use the alt to charge up a low batt, always use a batt charger.

Actually going back the person who has always put in the alternator was my gfs brother turns out he may not be so qualified to do it. I'm going to have a pro do it this time I think

[Rupesy]

I have a very simple solution for that. I had the same problem and had the alternator replaced under warranty four different times in the first two years I owned it. I even had the parts store pick up my towing charge when I got stuck at 1 in the morning because of the dumb thing burned out. My dad heard from someone that they burn out because of bad grounding. GM coats some of their parts to prevent corrosion and it actually casues grounding problems. All you need to do is make yourself a wire with bolt connectors and make your own ground from the alternator to the block. I have a wire from the front mounting bolt to the block. Make sure all the surfaces are sanded clean. I can send a picture if you like. After hooking it up, I never had a problem again and I have had it for five years after that. Thanks Dad!

[mbck1100]

Originally Posted by Rupesy

I have a very simple solution for that. I had the same problem and had the alternator replaced under warranty four different times in the first two years I owned it. I even had the parts store pick up my towing charge when I got stuck at 1 in the morning because of the dumb thing burned out. My dad heard from someone that they burn out because of bad grounding. GM coats some of their parts to prevent corrosion and it actually casues grounding problems. All you need to do is make yourself a wire with bolt connectors and make your own ground from the alternator to the block. I have a wire from the front mounting bolt to the block. Make sure all the surfaces are sanded clean. I can send a picture if you like. After hooking it up, I never had a problem again and I have had it for five years after that. Thanks Dad!

I think I had better go ahead and do that just to be on the safe side. Amazing how something as simple as a ground can cause so much headache

[old_master]

Originally Posted by Rupesy

I have a very simple solution for that. I had the same problem and had the alternator replaced under warranty four different times in the first two years I owned it. I even had the parts store pick up my towing charge when I got stuck at 1 in the morning because of the dumb thing burned out. My dad heard from someone that they burn out because of bad grounding. GM coats some of their parts to prevent corrosion and it actually casues grounding problems. All you need to do is make yourself a wire with bolt connectors and make your own ground from the alternator to the block. I have a wire from the front mounting bolt to the block. Make sure all the surfaces are sanded clean. I can send a picture if you like. After hooking it up, I never had a problem again and I have had it for five years after that. Thanks Dad!

This is definitely a good idea. However, keep in mind the added ground wire needs to be the same gage or larger than the output wire on the back of the alternator. It will carry the same current and if it’s smaller, resistance will increase and possibly burn the added wire. Results would be comparable to what is happening inside the alternator now, (searching for a good ground). A simpler yet solution would be to sand, file, or otherwise ensure a good clean ground at the alternator mountings when you are replacing it. Also make sure all body grounds are clean and tight for proper operation of all electrical components in the vehicle. Poor grounds on a vehicle are the single biggest cause of electrical problems.