harrydunn Posted June 23, 2003 Report Posted June 23, 2003 Hey Guys, 1996 Cutlass, 3.1L. New battery, new belt tensioner, charging light came on, so I'm 99% sure it's time for a new alternator as well. Just making sure I'm not overlooking something when slapping in the new one. Is it a pretty easy swap? Also, if anyone disagrees with my alternator diagnosis and has another cause please enlighten me. Quote
Slade901 Posted June 23, 2003 Report Posted June 23, 2003 More likely it is your alternator. I've got question.. Why did you replace the belt tensioner? what about a new belt? Check the belt tensioner indicator. This is an arrow showing where the new belt mark should be and an arrow indicating that the belt is stretched out and needs replacement of a new belt. I would go ahead and remove your alternator and bring it to an autoparts store. I know autozone and advance autoparts store test your alternator to see if it is defective or not. Some autoparts store might also test your alternator. Get yourself a $17 battery/alternator (load/charge) tester. Quote
harrydunn Posted June 23, 2003 Author Report Posted June 23, 2003 Belt tensioner was replaced under warranty. The tech noticed it while the car was in for other work. Do you know if most autoparts stores can test the alternator with it still on the car, or is pretty easy to pop them off? Look's pretty tight back there. I can see the two top mounting bolts, but am wondering if there is a third underneath that may be difficult to reach. Quote
Slade901 Posted June 23, 2003 Report Posted June 23, 2003 The alternator can be tested ON car with a load tester $17. I think some autoparts store can test your alternator ON car. BTW, check the alternator connectors. There are two connectors: one is a quick disconnect and the other one is held down by a nut. Removing the alternator is not that difficult. First you must remove the belt by turning the belt tensioner so you can remove the belt and then you can remove the bolts that hold down the alternator. Quote
Robby1870 Posted June 23, 2003 Report Posted June 23, 2003 I think there are 3 bolts that hold it on. I Know on my 3.1L there are. A simple bolt meter with the car running and revving the motor to like 2K usually works for an alternator diagnose for me. OR, Advance will test it for free. Robby Quote
harrydunn Posted June 24, 2003 Author Report Posted June 24, 2003 Got the alternator off--it's shot. Guess what else I found out?--My warranty covers it! So, I put it back on and just dropped it off at the dealer. Oh well, I'm saving $100 in parts. Did I mention I'm an idiot? I never would've dreamed an alternator be covered. Quote
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