Alternator for the 3rd time

Cpl_Bryant · Post by **Cpl_Bryant** » November 8th, 2005, 12:57 am

LONG story short:
I've got the 93 4 cyl. When I first swapped in my BPT, the charge light was on. I put in a rebuilt alternator (for the Protege LX of course) after it finally died one day. THAT alternator died shortly thereafter on my way to get the car inspected. Their machine said it was putting out zero volts. I had them put in another alternator and again it worked fine. Until now today it started doing the same things it did before it died last time. I'd step on the brake and the stereo would turn off and back on, lights dim, etc. Luckily it started up after I got out of work today and make it back home. I charged the battery, but it only needed a little anyway. How can this alternator be bad as well? Is the Protege LX alternator too weak for the BPT? I can't see why. This is incredibly frustrating and EXPENSIVE. Please help.

jschrauwen · Post by **jschrauwen** » November 8th, 2005, 6:48 am

Although this may not apply, but I just picked up a good used one from Probetalk for 50 bucks shipped. I'm not sure if their 2.0L 4cyl alternators are a match for our 4cyl ones. Just thought I'd throw that out there as a possibility.
*John*

Cpl_Bryant · Post by **Cpl_Bryant** » December 7th, 2005, 8:58 am

I got a little digital voltmeter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and it reads 14.3 most of the time. I turned on all my accessories (stereo, fan, headlights, etc...) and it went down to about 13.9 or so. Finally one day I could not start the car and had to get a new battery.
So now I have a new battery and the charge light continues to be dimly lit after some driving.
What is going on? Voltage regulator? I think AMPS is the problem. PS I have the Civic projector headlights with those bulbs. Could they be causing too much draw?

Post by **Custommx3** » December 7th, 2005, 9:43 am

Do you have an audio system?

Anything that draws too many amps can kill an alternator. Also Do NOT clean them with any type of solvent. It can destroy an alternator.

Do you have a capacitor by chance? (1+ farad?)

Cpl_Bryant · Post by **Cpl_Bryant** » December 9th, 2005, 9:54 pm

I do have an amplifier that powers 2 12 in subwoofers. I am still using the same audio setup I had prior to the BPT swap. No capacitor, actually I have one that I haven't put in yet.

Nd4SpdSe · Post by **Nd4SpdSe** » December 10th, 2005, 1:10 pm

Hey, isn't there a mode to swap in a GS 90amp into an RS?