1995 Cadillac SLS help!!

1995 CADILLAC SLS
148,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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C_GOMEZ
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have a 95 Cadillac Seville. I have had it since October. I have replaced the alternator 3 times. What could be causing it to go through alternators so frequently and how can I fix the problem.
Jun 11, 2015 at 4:53 PM
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CARADIODOC
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This is a real common problem on GM vehicles since they redesigned their generators for the '87 model year. Due to the design, they produce large voltage spikes that can damage the internal diodes, voltage regulator, and interfere with computer sensor signals. The battery is the key component in damping and absorbing those spikes, but as they age and the lead flakes off the plates, they lose their ability to do that. It is real common to go through four to six replacement generators in the life of a GM vehicle, but to reduce the number of repeat failures, replace the battery at the same time, unless it is less than about two years old.
Jun 11, 2015 at 11:19 PM