If you know about alternators PLEASE HELP!?

Question

My alternator tested bad about 2 months ago so I had it replaced last month. On Sunday the cars dashboard lights were coming on and going off (ABS, AIR BAG, TCS) and after stopping to get gas, we tried to start the car and nothing. We had to have it jumped. So when we were driving it to my Aunts at every red light everything got dark (headlights, dash lights) until the gas was pushed and they all came back strong. We took it back to the store where we purchased the alternator and it tested bad. But he also said he smelled a burning smell and said to get the electrical system checked. We did that yesterday and everything in the whole car was fine, but the alternator tested bad and the battery was about 25% charged. Is there something that could be wrong in a car that would cause it to kill alternators? Or did we maybe just get a bad one? I don't see how something could be wrong to kill the alternator after a month... or is there? Please help!

P.S. This is a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

Not sure if it was a refurb... I bought it from O'Reillys.

The total was $239 with the core charge, so it was a $200 alternator. Thats not cheap I dont think so maybe it wasnt a refurb.

the car has 84,000 miles. we've only had it since April.

Answer 1

They should check the car before replacing the alternator. If the car checks out fine they should replace their alternator and stand behind their work. If they find something else wrong with the car they should still stand behind their work and just make you replace the other item as well that they did not catch the first time.

Answer 2

Hard to say here. It could have been a bad alternator from the get-go. They should have given you another one. IF, this one go bad, then you may want to suspect something else. Many Car Dealers have some pretty sophisticated test equipment these days. Very high dollar stuff that a smaller repair shop can not afford. They can run some tests that can tell where a short or problem is and I mean "where", not just there a short somewhere. It may be expensive to some extent for this type of test, but, if it damaging alternators then it need to be done.
Now, here how I look at something. Was the car doing well when the first alternator go bad? Has anything happened out of ordinary driving, like you ran into a ditch? If, nothing big happen that would have damaged a wire somewhere, then most likely you just got a bad alternator.
But, there always a butt, the bad alternator may have done damage, and this is highly unlikely.

Answer 3

Any alternator can be checked at home with an inexpensive volt meter. Set it @ 20 volts place the red lead wire to the positive battery terminal the black lead goes on the negative termanal. With the engine running the meter should read a minimum of 13.5 - 14.0 volts maximum. With the short time you've had the alternator there must be at least a 1 year warranty. Keep this in mind: When you ever shop for replacement starters or alternators it pays to get as many prices as possible and learn what the warranty's are. If you have an AC Delco dealer nearby their parts have a lifetime warranty. Everything except the outer frame of the alternator is brand new.
Cheapies are rebuilt with only enough new parts to kick them out the door.
Do not buy a new on from a Hyundi dealer. They'll cost nearly $500.00 and are pieces of crap.

Answer 4

I cant believe it your car isnt that old at all!. Alternator if you bought it new/second hand Tell them YOU WANT IT REPLACED. Dont let them talk there rubbish to you demand it and if you cant do it then get your mum or dad or family member who will firmly tell them to replace the alternator. Put a mark on the old Alternator in a discrete place. Take a good look at the old alternator before they replace it. Tell them you want to see that OLD alternator when they have put in the new alternator. Wait around and watch them do it if you can. Dont trust anyone!!They take advantage of you especially if you are young. Trust me I know!!. The battery being 25% charged soundz like you need to get that battery checked. Batterys last on average 1-2yrs aprox depending on brand etc.It may already say it on the battery itself. If the battery is only 25% you should really look at getting a new one. First though before you waste any money if you are a member of racq get the patrol guy to come out and check the car including a battery test. He will tell you straight up if you need to replace the battery. If you are a member of racq and unsure of anything to do with repairs that have been done to the car call racq and ask to be put thru to technical advice where you can ask the experts. (i do believe you need to be a member to get thru to tech advice.)I know that they offer various inspections including a mechanical check for repairs that have been carried out on the car.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Unless you specify a new alternator when you buy one, you will get a rebuilt one. When they rebuild alternators they only replace the bad parts at the time of the rebuild. It is possible you have a bad alternator. If you choose a rebuilt alternator choose a re manufactured on instead. These have been completely rebuilt. The difference is usually only a few dollars.

Answer 6

You didn't say if the new alternator was a refurb or not. It's quite possible to get a bad alternator, especially if it's a refurbished one. If your electrical system checks out ok, then it was just a bad alternator. Had your electrical system had a ground, then that could have burned out your alternator.

Answer 7

you are able to't run any motor vehicle equipped with an alternator, and not using a battery. that's merely the way alternators are designed to artwork. "I comprehend i'm going to would desire to re-cord my bike. that's not a huge deal." confident that's - that's a very great deal. you would be able to desire to alter your alternator for a magneto. that's somewhat like the electrical powered version of attempting to place a 4-stroke cylinder head onto a 2-stroke engine. there is not too plenty capacity draw. you like a clean battery, that's all.

Answer 8

Check the belts. Loose belt = no charge going to the battery from the alternator.

Answer 9

If it was a rebuilt alternator, it is not unusual to get a bad one. Sometimes rebuilders do not completely rebuild a unit, they just fix what is wrong with it at the time then paint it.

Answer 10

Your alternator shouldn't of gone bad ... your car is only 5 years old ... take it back to the dealer to see if it's covered and to see if something else is wrong.