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Alternator issue

Tiny
LEONRATZO
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 SATURN SC1
I have a 93 sc1 with a new engine replaced about 1 1/2 years ago I am at a loss I had the original alternator go out so went to the junkyard found another had it tested and was good at 14.25 it lasted about 35 days so thinking it was from a junkyard and I have no idea how long it sat in the yard I decided to get a brand new one well here I am today 2 months later and the new alternator is now also burned up I have figured out my tale tale sign is my stereo will cut in and out (meaning turn off and back on when it is turned up to loud) and when the alternator goes out the car runs till the battery dies then shuts off completely I have checked the battery it charges and holds a charge just fine the car was lowered and has been since I bought the car in 09 all the dust shields are on and in tact any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,
Cory
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Thursday, July 26th, 2012 AT 6:42 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Have you checked the actual voltage at the battery at idle?Then turned on all your accessories and seen what the voltage is?I have never seen that model saturn just eat up alternators one after another and I have been working on these cars since 1993. Did the junk yard alternator test bad when you replaced it?
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Thursday, July 26th, 2012 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
LEONRATZO
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At idle battery checked at 14.35 with lights and radio on it droped to 13.10 on the meter after last alternator went out charged battery put meter on and it read 12.0 and started to decline and declined even faster when lights and radio where turned on I'm charging battery now and will test voltage when battery is charged
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Thursday, July 26th, 2012 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Alright keep me posted. So far the voltage looks good I would also test the voltage with the ac on also if it works head lights on high beam blower fan on high.
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Thursday, July 26th, 2012 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
LEONRATZO
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  • 8 POSTS
Ok ill let you know as for AC hasn't worked since I've owed the car I've checked it and the Ac compressor is bad needs replaced but has never caused an issue
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Thursday, July 26th, 2012 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Alright keep me posted.
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Thursday, July 26th, 2012 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Also when checking the voltage at the battery at idle run the high beam headlights and the blower motor on high even though the ac is inop.
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Friday, July 27th, 2012 AT 1:14 AM
Tiny
LEONRATZO
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Ok sorry for the delay at idle battery reads 12.58 with lights on and high beams on and fan on high the voltage drops to 12.10 when revved to about 2500 rpms voltage drops to 12.08 hope this will help I'm at an utter loss as to why it's burning through alternator thus far oh and that's also with the radio on as well
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Saturday, July 28th, 2012 AT 11:02 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Have you checked to see if you left the fusable link loose on the alternator stud?Also what is the voltage at the battery with nothing on?
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 12:35 AM
Tiny
LEONRATZO
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  • 8 POSTS
I'll jack it up and look again I'm almost positive it's tight and as for battery with car off it reads 12.98
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 12:41 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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I ment idling with nothing on voltage at the battery?
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 12:45 AM
Tiny
LEONRATZO
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  • 8 POSTS
At idle battery reads 12.58
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 12:47 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Wow thats low where did you get the alternator from?Also whiie your under the car see what the voltage is at the alternator post where the fusable link attaches?Also unplug the connector on the alternator see what the voltage reads when the key is in the run position?
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 12:58 AM
Tiny
LEONRATZO
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  • 8 POSTS
Bought alternator online at partsgeek. Com if I remember right I'll check my emails for receipt
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 1:02 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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I would never buy a alternator online just for the fact if it fails my only car is down untill I mail off my alternator and get another one in the mail.I hope it was a really good deal having to deal with a down car and mailing it for alternator off for a warranty. Also do those checks and let me know what you find.
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 1:11 AM
Tiny
LEONRATZO
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  • 8 POSTS
Ya true but it was a good deal at 54 bucks
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 1:13 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Now factor in a rental car if you dont have another car or cant borrow one still a good deal?Just as a example auto zone has one for 105 plus tax lifetime warranty and you can walk into the store and get another one if it fails.
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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 1:23 AM

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