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Alternator I think?
Topic Started: Nov 20 2012, 11:36 PM (1,312 Views)
icetrey92
New Member
[ *  * ]
Long story short, is that my alternator or something is acting up on my car. My battery has been dying for the past week because my alternator isnt putting out enough voltage to charge (round low 12)

Changed battery & alternator
checked wires & fuses

I was looking around on the forum and saw something about burnt cables. I checked the cable that goes to the fuse from the alternator to see if it was burnt but that seem fine.

I literally have no clue whats going on with my car.
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Memphis metro


Welcome to the forum. Not all new alternators out of the box or shall I say rebuilt alternators you purchase are good when you put them on the car. Its been known to run across a bad one every now and then. Have the alternator tested. You should be seeing around 13.8 to 14.1 volts with a volt meter at the battery with the car running. If there is a armature or starter rebuild shop close, I would take it to them and let them check the alternator for you. I dont trust parts stores no further than I can throw them but that may be your only option. Where did you get the alternator at?
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JellyBeanDriver


Given the year of your metro - your brushes are probably worn out.
I replaced mine many years ago but it was a hunt to find them. All the ones for our cars are for the ND alternator, not the mitsubishi one. I think I ended up finding a match by getting ones for an alternator from an 80's Dodge Colt.
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Memphis metro


JellyBeanDriver
Nov 21 2012, 01:21 AM
Given the year of your metro - your brushes are probably worn out.
I replaced mine many years ago but it was a hunt to find them. All the ones for our cars are for the ND alternator, not the mitsubishi one. I think I ended up finding a match by getting ones for an alternator from an 80's Dodge Colt.
He already changed the alternator. The new one should have been gone thru and new brushes put in. They still do not always charge though. Of course he could have swapped it out with a used one or one from a junk yard. The details are fuzzy on what he changed it with.
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icetrey92
New Member
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I Actually replaced it twice, and still have the same problem. Its a rebuild from Advance Auto Parts. The first one i bought, had it tested on my car and said that the voltage regulator was not putting out. Havent checked the one i have on now, even though it feel like its the same problem. What i want to do is step away from the alternator and think it's a wiring problem, just dont know where
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Jittney
Anchorage 92 XFi

I'd still check for the output of the current alternator.
Then move on to the bigger picture.
Keep us posted :news
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idmetro
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You changed the battery but did you carefully clean up the battery cables before you reinstalled them? They need to have a good connection to get good results. Also if the cable has corrosion down in the strands (you will likely be able to see it) then it's time for a new cable. Good Luck!
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nwgeo


Is the voltage regulator inside the Alternator or outside on our geos? Don't remember. He could have a bad voltage regulator OR, I aggree poor conections, but low volts is usually a bad alt. the signal may come from the ECM that sets voltage level?
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Memphis metro


Internal.
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1DCGUY
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Don't be a "Richard"

I had the same problem with my wifes car, and it happened to be the grounds were bad.
Clean the ground on the tranny with a wire brush or sand paper, and report back.
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icetrey92
New Member
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Ill do that when i can, went back home for thanks giving and left the car in Pensacola. Probably going to get some new connectors from a junk yard too. Thanks for the help. I will keep you guys posted
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JellyBeanDriver


blue rhino
Nov 21 2012, 01:43 AM
He already changed the alternator.
I need to stop doing this - not fully reading things. . .
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mwebb
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FOG

go here 2nd post
read voltage drop testing

do voltage drop testing - the answer is here or the NEW alternator is KAKA
NEW = never ever worked

also
key on engine off
does the "battery light" on the dash light up ?
if yes - stop here , go back to voltage drop testing .

if no there is no path to the voltage regulator on the alternator and it will not begin charging
you can make that path with a test light to start the alternator with engine at idle
IF you need to get home
ask how
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icetrey92
New Member
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I cleaned the connector and the battery hasnt drained out yet. Im still having low rpm problems and when i come to a sudden stop it cuts off, and i have to push the gas for it to completely start. I havent yet did the Votage test (mainly because money problems) plus everytime i ask for a tester i get the whole battery thing, and tell them thats not what i want... ill let you know when/if it does die and when i can do the test
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Jittney
Anchorage 92 XFi

Sounds like you're making some progress. :)
Where are you located?
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