1987 Pontiac 6000 Alternator

1987 PONTIAC 6000
354,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DAVIDFJ72
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  • 1 POST
I have a Pontiac 6000 LE and recently started having a problem with the car turning off after starting it up. It didn't shake or make any noices, it would just turn off. A friend recommended I replace the alternator but after I have mine tested just to be sure. Well the starter ended up being bad so I ended up getting a used alternator from a local Pick-n-Pulll yard. I installed the alternator and the car stayed runnning. Now, I've been told that in order to test an alternator you should disconnect the battery while its running and if the car stays on its good but if turns off then alternator is bad. Anyways, I disconnected the battery and the car turned off. What else can the problem be if not the alternator?
Mar 25, 2009 at 1:51 AM
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JMALECKI
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 118 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello
First of all disconnecting the battery while the engine is running is no longer a good way to test an alternator, as a matter of fact you can do damage to the alternator and/or the computer. The best way to check is with a digital volt ohm tester with the engine running voltage at the battery should be between 13.5 volts and14.5 volts. Back to the original problem does the engine shut down and restart? Crank and no start, or no crank?
John
Aug 19, 2009 at 7:14 PM
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