Alternator replacement

PUMPKINPIE11

MEMBER
2003 SATURN VUE
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
17,100 MILES

My system recently shut down on me one night. So I called this mechanic to fix the problem. The mechanic said that I needed a driver belt, a water pump, and an alternator. He called his self fixing the problem in all the repair cost was $549.80 and the job wasn't complete. So I took the car to Saturn dealership to get a diagnose test. The diagnose said that the reason that the light was still on was, because either it was a faulty alternator or an incorrect alternator. So I took it back to the shop to be fixed. He says I got an electrical problem going on. I don't know what else to do. So can you please tell me why is it that the alternator is not charging my battery. Because when Saturn did the diagnose test it said that the alternator tested fine, but before I could get down the highway my whole system shut down again. So please help!

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

We first need to find out how they tested it. Here is a guide on how to test the alternator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

I suspect the voltage regulator is the issue which is part of the ECM. Take a look at the info attached.

We need to monitor the voltage on the battery when the engine is running. However, before you replace the ECM you need to load test the battery.

Here is a guide on how to do that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Let us know what questions you have. Thanks

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