2002 Hyundai Elantra Alternator

129,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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MADDAD
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  • 1 POST
The power steering pump is right above the alternator in my car. One of the hoses is directly above the air vents on the alternator. The hose has been leaking onto the alternator for some time. My battery light has been coming on and the lights go dim from time to time and when i shut off the lights and the engine the rear brake lights stay on.just the brakelights. Do you know if an alternator that has been fowled up like this can cause those kinds of symptoms? Or am I looking at a computer issue?
Jan 25, 2010 at 3:50 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
The alt should not have PS fluid in it. That will eventually cause it to stop working. As far as the battery light and dim lights, it sounds like it is getting close to happening. You need to get the leak fixed soon or you will be fixing the leak and replacing the alt at the same time. If you fix it now, the alt may last a lot longer for you.

As far as the brake lights, I doubt they are related. On the top of the brake pedal (under the dash) is the brake light switch. Make sure it is properly adjusted. If it is, check it for continunity when the switch is depressed. If there is continunity, the switch is bad.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
Jan 27, 2010 at 5:45 AM
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