Alternator dead?

[antlip]

Well Im 99% sure this is my problem. While driving home my dumby lights were flickering, the radio shut off and on and off and on, my dash lights went dim, then the car finally shut off about 1/2 mile from making it home. My dad came and jump started my car, the car made it home and died in the driveway. my battery still has 9.2 amps, the car won't crank over, and the lights all still work inside, the head lights turn on but dim, and the alarm still sets and locks the car.

Well after I check out the car tomorrow and verify the alternator is dead I want to know how hard and whats involved in replacing it. I have a system, and power invertor in the car so i was going to buy the biggest one I could find locally which is a 90amp from napa.

I have a 1995 GSX with a 6 bolt swap, do I buy a 1995 alternator, or 91-94 alternator?

 

[diablos991]

Did you check your terminals for corrosion? I had a hayday with that a while back.

 

[antlip]

If your refering to the termals on the battery, yes they are super clean. The battery is a optima red top that is less than a year old and has less then 3k miles on it.

 

[Glliw]

A 2g Alternator swap is a breeze. My mecanically challenged self managed to do it in about 2 1/2 hours. It only took so long because the bottom bolt was getting in the way. Also, did you check your fuses both under hood and in car? Do any electrical changes to the car such as speakers or head unit?

 

[antlip]

No I haven't gone over everything yet, it was about 9 - 930 when I got in the driveway. Yes I do have an aftermarket head unit, speakers, amp, 2 12" subs, power invertor, ipod, 4-52mm gagues, wideband and ps2.

The alternator has been on the car with the system set up for over a year. It is the original alternator as well. I will get looking tomorrow morning at everything trying to find out what happen.

 

[Tx97GSX]

Sounds like the Alternator to me. I had the same symptoms as you before I finally decided to change mine. Took me less then 30mins to change it out.

 

[OnMyWayTo12Secs]

A powerful system draws a LARGE load on your alternator and other components, take this as a 200 Plus dollar lesson in getting digital capacitors for your stereo. You can find them pretty cheap, depending on who many watts your running and what ohm load your bridged too. I would buy an OEM alternator also, the bigger ones are great but put a larger load on your other components especially your wires and terminals and such.


OEM Alt + Digital Caps = Happy Electrical system

 

[antlip]

Yea it was the alternator, the new one is in already and the car is running again. I had the old one tested at advance auto and it was 100% completely dead.