Alternator wrong install?

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HoustonHelix - 25 May 2007 16:34 GMT

I hired someone to come over and replace my timing belt. He had to
remove and reinstall the alternator to get access.

After installing a new battery, I noticed that the alternator is not
charging (battery warining light is on). I also noticed that even
though all fuses are complete, certain accessorories do not work (power
windows, lock, seats, sunroof and A/C blower).

I would greatly appreciate and advice or theories on what might be the
problem. How do I determine whether the alternator was is not
installed on correctly or if it is shot?

Thanks!!

RON
in HOuston

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HoustonHelix

http://www.automotiveforums.com

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HLS@nospam.nix - 25 May 2007 16:53 GMT

> I hired someone to come over and replace my timing belt. He had to
> remove and reinstall the alternator to get access.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> problem. How do I determine whether the alternator was is not
> installed on correctly or if it is shot?

What kind of car is this? Alternator systems are not the same across the
board...

Double check the wiring first. There may be several wires going to the
alternator....On some applications, there may be only one. Be sure that
those wires or cable plugs are properly installed and making good
connection.

If the wiring is good and the drive belt is properly installed and
tensioned,
then you must look a little deeper. You could have a faulty alternator.

You (or he) can take the alternator down to the alternator shop or parts
store and have it tested. If you are lucky, the problem will be found in
the
alternator. On some models, the regulator is in the 'computer'. If that is
damaged, then your economy is going to get a little worse.

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HoustonHelix - 25 May 2007 17:38 GMT

Thanks for your quick response!

The alternator is in a 99 Mitsubishi Diamante. There was no problem
with the charging system until after the install/reinstall. I am not
sure if the alternator was wired back on right. It looks like there
are only two connections going into the alternator. One plastic
harness, and a screw-on terminal with a plastic cap (main battery
connection).

I could tell you I had the main battery connection hooked on to the
alternator bracket in error the first few times I initially cranked up
the engine. Would that have done damage to the alternator?

RON

> > I hired someone to come over and replace my timing belt. He had to
> > remove and reinstall the alternator to get access.
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> is
> damaged, then your economy is going to get a little worse.

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HoustonHelix

http://www.automotiveforums.com

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Comboverfish - 25 May 2007 18:31 GMT

On May 25, 11:38 am, HoustonHelix <HoustonHelix.2r5...@no-
mx.nodomain.com> wrote:

> Thanks for your quick response!
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> alternator bracket in error the first few times I initially cranked up
> the engine. Would that have done damage to the alternator?

Not likely the alternator, but you would blow one fuse rather quickly
if you shorted B+ to ground. The large wire you call the main battery
conection is protected by a 120 amp "fusible link". The FLs used by
Mitsubishi are not to be confused with standard fusible link wire.
They are a really big fuse in a plastic case with see-through plastic
cover design. Other smaller 30 to 60 amp fuse links branch off of
this and operate many different engine related devices under the hood
as well as some cabin electronics.

My problem with this theory is that it seems as if you are still able
to start the vehicle, which usually is impossible on asian cars with a
blown main alternator fuse. Did you attempt to jump the battery at
any point and get the cables reversed?

Toyota MDT in MO

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Bob M. - 26 May 2007 02:34 GMT

> I hired someone to come over and replace my timing belt. He had to
> remove and reinstall the alternator to get access.

When he reinstalled the alternator, did the serpentine belt get tightned to
the proper tension? It could be too loose & slipping on the pulley.

Were the posts of the new battery cleaned? Were the inside edges of the
clamps on the old battery cables cleaned? Are they tight?

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