is there any reason why the alternator on my car would go bad twice in two months?

Question

The beginning of last month, the alternator in my '97 grand am went bad, so we got a new one and replaced it... Everything was fine until just today the battery light showed up again. Sure enough, the alternator we JUST bought is bad again. (Good thing we have the year warranty) But my question is.. Is there any reason why the alternator would go bad so quicky? Is there perhaps another problem in my car that is making it die? I would rather not have to replace the alternator again next month. It's quite the ordeal.

Answer 1

When you buy rebuilt parts there's always a chance that the replacement part you get won't last. That's why there are warranties.

Answer 2

First, always get the best quality parts. Many shops will not sell some brands because of a high return rate. Doing things for free cost a lot of money.
Second, be sure that your grounds are in good shape and that the Alternator Positive connection is good.
Third, have your battery test with a GOOD tester to be sure it is not the cause. In rare cases, it is the problem.
Finally, do not jump start your car or any body elses. Use a Jumper Pack. The other car can hurt yours.

Answer 3

Refurbished alternators do work like suck, but if yours was new it could mean the wiring harness in your car has a problem. Also, have you done any modifications to your car? Like, extra sound equipment or neon lights? That kind of stuff draws more power, and will cause problems with the load on the alternator.

Also: nothing is 100% impeccable in terms of quality. There is no way that the alternator company can prevent every one of those from being bad, mostly they can make sure 98% of them are ok (and this is with the best companies!). Try another one (yours was under warranty) and see if that does not break. If it does, its probably an problem with the car itself causing the alternator to short out.

Answer 4

if you hear the solenoid click and the engine does not turn over, then you have one of two issues. either the engine is seized and the starter cannot turn it over, or the starter has failed in one of two ways. the solenoid could be fine but the contacts are just messed up, or the starter motor itself no linger will drive the engine. since you say that you dont even hear that click, then maybe the clutch safety or the neutral safety switch could have failed. if it is an automatic, try both park and neutral. if it starts in neutral, then replace that switch. as for the manual, locate the switch and either make sure that it is not out of position or pull it out and jumper across the contacts, but be careful now because in that manner you would be able to crank it in any gear with the clutch in any position. once again, if that does the trick, replace the clutch safety switch.

Answer 5

Was it new or refurbished? Alternaters are difficult to refurbish and refurbished ones often don't work right. I helped a friend replace one, he got a refurbished one and it didn't work, so he paid extra for a brand new one and it worked fine. Take it back to the store and get a new one.

Answer 6

Yes, the alt is not new it is a rebuilt. Buy the next step up to a re-manufactured one. The price is not that different.

Answer 7

"Robert S" has a good point about jump starting someone else's car.

That's a sure way to fry an alternator if the other guy revs up his engine when it starts.

You may have just gotten a crappy alternator???
It happens........

Answer 8

Have you checked the battery lately?
What about the voltage regulator, have it tested.
Have you been using cables to start anyone else?

Answer 9

heres what probly happend....... first one was old and ready to go, and the replacement was defective. just exchange it! third times a charm

Answer 10

you may have a bad wire. check all connections