Is it my Alternator or do you have another Idea of what it could be?

Tiny
RAEZER
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 KIA RIO
  • 239,989 MILES
I started driving and my secong gear was clunking then I drove about 15 Km and then all my light died, wipers and radio. About 5 minutes later I was loosing power in the gas and then my car died. About 5 minutes later I could start my car and move it just into a parkng sapce. I started my car and took the black wire off my batterie and my engine died. The Alternator belt has good tension I drove it back home with my father recharging my batterie once. I installed a new alternator on October 30, 2011. I might have broken a wing but it worked perfectly fine until yesterday. Today me and my father are going to change the alternator again because I have a lifetime warranty on it. Well let me know if you think its something else. Thank You
Saturday, January 28th, 2012 AT 1:42 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Before taking the alternator out, you should check the fuses and charging rate.

Alternator can be tested on vehicle by using a voltmeter.

Never disconnect any battery terminals with engine running. Some alternator faults can produce current spikes and you can damage electronic components when this occurs.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2012 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
RAEZER
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My father checked all the fuses and they are fine. We dont have a volt meter but the power drains even when the car is idling.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2012 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
It is most likely to be a charging fault but it can be due to a broke connection between the alternator and battery or a bad alternator.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2012 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
RAEZER
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  • 4 POSTS
I guess I need a volt meter to check for a broken connection. Well we are going to change the alternator anyways and if that's not the problem then it must be a connection. Thank you for your responses. Greatly appreciated. If nothing works I'll get back to you. Thanks once again.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2012 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
RAEZER
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  • 4 POSTS
The battery wire was broken at the alternater.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2012 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Glad to know you have fixed the problem.

Have a nice day.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2012 AT 8:53 PM

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