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2002 Kia Rio 3 Alternators have burned out

Tiny
GREENGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 KIA RIO
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 91,000 MILES
4 mechanics & 2 new alternators and I still
lose electrical power.
6 months ago a mechanic put a rebuilt engine.
I did not drive 6 miles away when the radio went off,
then the lights and then total power.
2 alternators later, new battery cables, & the
car has burned up the 2 new alternators.
I do not want to purchase another alternator ($200)
and have it short out or burn up the alternator.
Any ideas?
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Friday, May 16th, 2008 AT 4:51 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
I dont believe the alternators are burning up. Do they squeel before they stop working?
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Friday, May 16th, 2008 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
GREENGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The car is loses power.
I'm riding down the road & first the radio shuts off
& then comes back on
Next the radio dies completely
Then the lights go out
Then the car comes to a complete stop
When the mechanic tested the alternator,
he says its bad (2 brand new ones)
We put the car on a charger. It runs about 5 miles
& does the same thing.
Yes, I am hearing a squealing sound
I have already spent $600 on the alternators & 400
to mechanics.
Is it the wiring harness, a regulator or?
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Saturday, May 17th, 2008 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
The alternator is not installed correctly. Im assuming when the engine was replaced the mechanic who installed it left out a spacer for the alternator and when the alternator is now being installed when the bolts are tightened the alternator case is being distorted causing it to fail. I have seen this before.
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Saturday, May 17th, 2008 AT 1:29 PM

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