View Full Version : Alternator died
stonedwookie
22-02-2012, 08:11 AM
Hey all well im pretty sure my alternator died it killed last battery now the new ones flat as well.
manged to drive to home with no power no abs or anything dash lights keapt flashing in and out.
so anyhow is it worth buying a brand new alternator or should i just go for one at the wreckers?
MadMax
22-02-2012, 08:22 AM
A new one from the Mitsu dealer or eBay will fix it for sure, but it's the most expensive option. $350 last time I looked.
Alternators can be exchanged with a recon unit for about $150. Ask your local car parts shop or local auto electrician.
Wreckers or Gumtree is the cheapest option, but a bit chancy. Might not work first up, or die soon after.
As MadMax says, there is a wide choice so it really depends on how much cash you want to spend, whether you want it to last for 5 years or just 12 months and finally when you need it....I'd guess right now. So for me it would be the wreckers and grab one for under $50...they should guarantee it is a goer and if you can fit it yourself.
If you can start the car and have a multimeter you could check that the old alternator is charging or not. It should be up around 14.4Vdc at a fast idle and if this checks out the problem may lie elsewhere.
A quick check (with everything switched off) to see if you have any parasitic drain on the battery is to simply remove and replace the negative cable to the battery - if there are lots of sparks when replacing the cable it indicates you have something that is draining power...possibly the diodes in the alternator or some electrical device that is not switched off. Good Luck.
stonedwookie
24-02-2012, 07:02 PM
dont think its drain it was all working before thanks the the advice will go for the new one since i cant be stuffed changing it all again.
also the battery was really hot when i took it out are batterys spose to get hot?
Batteries will usually get hot when they are either rapidly charged or discharged....both danger signs!. This can happen from internal shorting, or externally if you short the terminals out causing the discharge. Rapid or overcharging will also overheat the battery. It will also shorten the life of, or destroy the battery as well.
Madmagna
25-02-2012, 04:59 AM
Hot battery as well as all your lights flashing on the dash are a sign of overcharging, be very careful as this can do serious damage
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