Alternator wrong install?

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

Reply to
HoustonHelix
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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.

Reply to
<HLS

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

Reply to
HoustonHelix

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

Reply to
Comboverfish

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?

Reply to
Bob M.

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