think my alternator died on me, not sure, wanna confirm please!?

Question

my car started acting up, first the battery light came on, then the ABS, brake, etc. The wipers went slow, windows slow. I thought it was the battery and i got a new one. The battery light came on again after i installed the new battery. I drove home, the abs light came on and then just when i reached home, the lights on the dash board started getting dimmer and he car finally died. Is it the alternator? and do you think the alternator drained my entire new batter? cause the car wont start up again. I wanna return the new battery if its the alternator at fault and how do i start it in the morning. Please help.

Its a 1999 pontiac grand am GT 3.4 engine.

also of the alternator drained most of the new battery i installed, can the new battery revive somehow?

Answer 1

It sure sounds like an alternator problem
Where you bought the battery should have been able to check the alternator.
Testing the alternator is simple and basic. You need to check the voltage and amperage output. The voltage is easy enough to check with a voltmeter. If the voltage is between 13.5 and 14.5, it's a good bet the alternator is good. To check the amperage output, you'll need some special equipment. You'll need an ammeter and a load tester to check the amperage.

When the alternator is load tested, a simulated load, usually ½ the Cold Cranking Amperage rating of the battery is applied to the charging system. Then the engine is run at 2200 to 2500 rpm and the amperage is read on the ammeter. The reading should be close to or at the rated amperage of the alternator. If it is, then it's good. If it's substantially lower, then it is weak and should be replaced.

There are some signs you can look for that will indicate a problem with the charging system. If the headlights brighten or the blower motor picks up speed when you rev the engine, you may have a weak battery. This indicates the battery may not be holding enough current to run the car and is working off the alternator. If the charge light is on dimly at idle, this could indicate a weak alternator. If all the warning lights come on while driving, this could indicate a bad diode pack in the alternator. It may or may not still be charging, but you don't know unless you have it checked. At any rate, it will need to be replaced.

I know that's a lot of information so, here's the short version if you can't do the above...go back where you bought the battery (still under warranty?) and ask them to check out your charging system, including the alternator.

Even if they replace the alternator they will probably want you to keep the new battery so your charging/electrical system is at optimum performance.

Yes, the new battery may be drained now because it could not be kept charged by the faulty alternator but they can recharge it and it will be ok as long as it is new and can hold a charge.
Good Luck!

Answer 2

More than likely the Regulator is bad. The bad news is that the Regulator is inside of the Alternator. The really bad news is you usually have to replace the whole Alternator on these newer model GM cars, and they ain't cheap. Older models (95 and older) used to be rebuild-able, not the case anymore. I would suggest you find a qualified / competent mechanic and have them do the work. At least let them check the Alternator, they have the equipment to load test the system and diagnose the problem. GM has a bad habit of building the car around the Alternator, making it very difficult to get at. No fun! But first, you may want to check your battery cables. Be sure the terminals are clean and make good contact with the post's of the battery. A weak or bad ground can keep the current from flowing correctly to / from the battery. You may get lucky and that's all it is (and its a lot cheaper too). If you must visit the mechanic, you should be able to charge the battery allowing you to make it to the garage. My bet is the battery is fine, you need a new Alternator. Hope this helps :-)

Answer 3

The easiest way to check if your alternater is bad is to first start your car, then second step is to loosen up your hot side battery post cable and while car is still running take off the cable from the hot side battery post. If the car dies then your altenator is bad. If the car is still running then the altenator is still producing that is why the car did not die. Does it make any noises high pitch sound or anything that doesn't sound like it used to. Sometimes you can tell by that way too. Hope this helps you. Have someone jump you off and let them charge your battery awhile and drive home in the daytime roll windows down while charging if there power and turn off all electrical devises in car that should get you home once home put battery charger on car and try my method. Provided you're not going to far anyway have who ever jumped you off to follow you if car dies again repeat jump and charge again for awhile and continue home. This will save you a tow bill and having a mechanic to work on the car until you are sure. The other way to check car out is to take a fully charged battery and put in your car and drive to the nearest Auto Zone, Advance Auto or you can call any autoparts dealer in your area and ask them if they offer a free battery and altenator check. But my way is easier. Goody [e-mail]

Answer 4

It sure does sound like the alternator. If you jump start the car and it remains running after disconnecting the cables, it is usually the battery. If it cuts off immediately, it is usually the alternator. As for getting it started in the morning, try to ask a neighbor to help you-- and if it starts with jumper cables, for God's sake don't turn it off until you get it to the auto parts store!! Auto parts stores around here will do free alternator and battery testing. You might want to see if your store offers the same service. Good luck. I know what a pain in the butt cars can be!!!

Answer 5

As already mentioned by several others, most likely the alternator has died.

BUT...I WOULDN'T disconnect either battery cable while the engine is running. Good chance you'll create a voltage spike that can permanently damage any of the several computers in your car. Years ago, on older non computer equipped vehicles, this method was acceptable, but not anymore.

Answer 6

Pontiac Grand Am Alternator

Answer 7

put your battery on a charger or jump it for at least 20 min so you can get to a place to help, If you have a volt meter then put it on the battery terminals and with the car running it should read min 13 volts hopefully 14 or more but not over 15 If the voltage is there its not the alternator. It should peak out at 14.75 when the battery is low.

Answer 8

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
think my alternator died on me, not sure, wanna confirm please!?
my car started acting up, first the battery light came on, then the ABS, brake, etc. The wipers went slow, windows slow. I thought it was the battery and i got a new one. The battery light came on again after i installed the new battery. I drove home, the abs light came on and then just when i...

Answer 9

yes it,s the alternator,,what it done it ran on what charge you had in the battery,,using the light,s just made it drain that much faster i do this for a living,,and see it al the time,,your battery will be OK,,once you replace the alternator,,but it will need a good charge,,this will fix it,,i get them all the time like this,,so don't worry,,the alternator is not that expensive,,i hope this help,s.

Answer 10

if you have a battery charger put the battery on slow charge if not you may be able to jump start it.and and easy way to find out if battery start the car and pull positive cable off of battery if still running not altenator but if it dies then it is.