"98 Grand Prix V-8 Alternator Malfunction?

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Even Stephen - 18 Aug 2008 17:22 GMT

Just lately my radio/tape deck display numerals have started to "flash" and
do "crazy" configurations for a few seconds off and on during the day. One
day my auto door locks wouldn't work as if the battery was low. It appears
to happen less often if I don't use the air conditioning. Is my alternator
going bad and not charging the battery?

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Paul - 18 Aug 2008 23:24 GMT

> Just lately my radio/tape deck display numerals have started to "flash"
> and do "crazy" configurations for a few seconds off and on during the
> day. One day my auto door locks wouldn't work as if the battery was
> low. It appears to happen less often if I don't use the air
> conditioning. Is my alternator going bad and not charging the battery?

Its possible. It could be 100 other things, too.
How about some diagnosis? Voltage both DC and AC, current AC and DC, ohms,,
diode check, brush wear, grounds, etc.

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Paul Michaels - 08 Sep 2008 19:59 GMT

I have that same problem with my radio in my '01 Grand Prix sometimes.
It will display crazy characters but then go away the next time I
start the car. I don't think that has to do with the alternator
because that happened before I had to replace my alternator and
afterwards. It happens about once a month.

The door locks not working well does sound like the battery is weak.
If you do find out that you need a new alternator, it's pretty easy to
do yourself.

Here's a guide with pictures on how to swap out an alternator in a
97-03 Grand Prix -
http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Pontiac-Grand-Prix-GM-3800-II-Alternator-Repl
acement-Guide/index.html

Good luck. :)

> > Just lately my radio/tape deck display numerals have started to "flash"
> > and do "crazy" configurations for a few seconds off and on during the
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> How about some diagnosis? Voltage both DC and AC, current AC and DC, ohms,,
> diode check, brush wear, grounds, etc.

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