1990 Chevy Cavalier Alternator Fuse

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HERNDON125
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  • 1 POST
I recently purchased a 1990 chevy cavalier and was wondering if anyone knows how to change the alaternator myself. It has the orginal in it still (16 years!) so I don't doubt that the volatage light is on due to my alternator.

Also, does anyone know how to remove the key from the ignition. I don't know how it got stuck since I bought it like that and the key in the ignition is the only key in existance.

my final question is what should I look for if the air conditioner consistently blows the fuse that also controls my radiator fan? My heater has never worked and so I don't know if that is part of the problem or not.

TY
B
Jun 15, 2006 at 6:54 AM
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SYNCRAIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 235 POSTS
basically to replace the alternator you need to disconnect both the wire connections located on the back and loosen the top mounting bolt so you can slide the alternator toward i believe the front of the car and get the belt off after that underneath the alternator there should be another mounting bolt.... have you had any luck yet or is this just planning before you tackle it....as for the wiring issue i would look for any bare or severed wires near the compressor or the fan relay and possibly check the wiring to the radio if it is not factory.... good luck :)
Jun 15, 2006 at 2:26 PM
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SWEEP2WIN
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  • 21 POSTS
Heater: if you're fan inside blows but you get no heat then the previous owner or a mechanic bypassed a leaking heater core with a hose so they could fix the problem cheap. If you don't feel air at all inside there could be a problem with blower or blower resistor switch or fuse to the blower. Your blown fuses for the radiator fan could caused by faulty wiring of that fan or the fan motor has shorted out.
Jun 25, 2006 at 10:21 AM

Suggested Repair

To replace the alternator, disconnect both rear wire connections, loosen the top mounting bolt, slide the alternator to remove the belt, then remove the lower mounting bolt. For the shared AC and radiator-fan fuse, inspect for bare or severed wires near the compressor and fan relay, and check non-factory radio wiring. A shorted fan motor or faulty fan wiring can also blow the fuse. If the blower runs but there is no heat, the heater core may have been bypassed; if there is no airflow, check the blower, resistor, and blower fuse. The stuck ignition key was not given a removal procedure.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1990 Chevy Cavalier asked how to replace the original alternator after the voltage light came on, how to remove a stuck ignition key that is the only key, and why the air conditioner repeatedly blows a fuse shared with the radiator fan. The heater has never worked. Replies describe loosening the alternator mounts and belt, checking wiring near the compressor, fan relay, and radio, and considering a shorted fan motor. They also suggest a bypassed heater core if the blower runs without heat, or a blower, resistor, or fuse problem if there is no airflow.

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