alternator question

[mikeroy420]

I just had my alternator rebuilt and installed. The car now runs, but when you turn on the car nothing works(front and back lights, wipers, spedometer, odometer, heater, stereo). When you press on the gas and rev the car the stuff starts to work instantly. Also when you turn the heat up, the spedometer goes up to 180 km/h. The radio also turns on and off constantly. Does anyone know what my problem could be? Thanks.

[rubburner]

i think its your battery. i don't know if you changed the battery or not after changing the alt, but those symptoms of off and on radio, things not working till you rev it, etc...are signs of a dying battery. someone can correct me if i'm wrong, but when my alt died, my radio went dead first, and then the beeping noises started to get weaker and weaker. so yeah, if you have a weak battery, i'd change it soon or your rebuilt alt. will be a waste, the weak battery could actually kill your alt again. if you have changed your battery, then someone else needs to jump in and help you! maybe bad wiring? anyways, good luck...

[FlyingChicken]

i think you need to hire a young priest and an old priest to perform an exocism..

you check the fuses? alternator fuse or something?

[Phlip]

The battery should be fine if it is starting the car, it sounds like the alternator may not be charging properly until you increase it's speed (rev the engine)... Was it tested before it was reinstalled?

[DriftersInc]

ahh good old general mechanics...i would check all the part that connect to the alternator, belts, wiring, and of course the ground. Look at all those parts and insure everything is taped and secured. oh yeah, test the alternator voltage while the car is running with the a/c running it should be above 14volts(someone correct me if i'm wrong). My battery light kept coming on when i had my alt. rebuilt, the problem was a improperly secured connection (the main connection to the car and the battery)..volla problem solved!

[Phlip]

Originally posted by DriftersInc
test the alternator voltage while the car is running with the a/c running it should be above 14volts(someone correct me if i'm wrong).
Should be too far over 14volts, if at all, but you have the rest of that pretty much nailed down. As I invest thougt into this though, I think it could be something as simple as a slipping belt too, you DID get that replaced with the alternator, I gather.