Smokin' alternator
#1
Smokin' alternator
Was driving around today when I noticed that sick burnt electronics/plastic small, which can be hard to detect while driving.
Just about that time, the GEN light came on, I pulled over and popped the hood, and the alternator was literally smoking.
I was about 4 miles from home so I decided to limp home, I jacked up the heat to siphon off excess heat.
Drove fine on the way home, the smell stopped, when I got home I popped the hood again with the engine still running, and no signs at all of any trouble.
Turned it off and did a battery check with a cheapo tester, normal output.
turned it on for an alternator check and is not registering any output at all, if thats the case, I am surprised I drove so far on 0 output.
Usually, things go dim and shut down fairly quickly when the alt dies.
Also, the GEN light didn't come back on when I cranked it back up, so I don't know.
Either some guff got into the alternator, causing it to smoke, and I have a defective test instrument - Or my alternator is shot.
I'm leaning towards the last, but am going to push my luck and take my girls to the drive-in, only 2 miles away.
I just might be regretting that.
Just about that time, the GEN light came on, I pulled over and popped the hood, and the alternator was literally smoking.
I was about 4 miles from home so I decided to limp home, I jacked up the heat to siphon off excess heat.
Drove fine on the way home, the smell stopped, when I got home I popped the hood again with the engine still running, and no signs at all of any trouble.
Turned it off and did a battery check with a cheapo tester, normal output.
turned it on for an alternator check and is not registering any output at all, if thats the case, I am surprised I drove so far on 0 output.
Usually, things go dim and shut down fairly quickly when the alt dies.
Also, the GEN light didn't come back on when I cranked it back up, so I don't know.
Either some guff got into the alternator, causing it to smoke, and I have a defective test instrument - Or my alternator is shot.
I'm leaning towards the last, but am going to push my luck and take my girls to the drive-in, only 2 miles away.
I just might be regretting that.
#2
#3
the alternator is dying and you need to replace it. the smoke is from heat and melting insulation, and the heat is building up from an electrical short. its just a matter of time until something goes competely to ground and you have a complete internal burn out.
don't wait, it won't fix itself. replace it today.
don't wait, it won't fix itself. replace it today.
#6
Yeah I'm gonna replace it, not much of an option not to.
Drove it around a bit today, no smoke but GEN still popping on.
Tis a matter of time before I'm screwed if I keep pushing it.
Called around, was quoted 3 different amperages.
Unless there is a sticker or something on mine, I'll go with the highest amperage, since I have power everything, and some aftermarket devices which draw power.
Drove it around a bit today, no smoke but GEN still popping on.
Tis a matter of time before I'm screwed if I keep pushing it.
Called around, was quoted 3 different amperages.
Unless there is a sticker or something on mine, I'll go with the highest amperage, since I have power everything, and some aftermarket devices which draw power.
Last edited by xray99; 09-27-2009 at 06:47 PM.
#7
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#8
#10
IIRC from the different build sheets I was seeing from Dodge, over the years and depending on your trim level/options, there were at least two different alternators.
Mine came with a 136A alternator and a 140A fuse. What were the ones that you were quoted?
Check that fuse, like charlie said. Stay below the fuse amperage.
Mine came with a 136A alternator and a 140A fuse. What were the ones that you were quoted?
Check that fuse, like charlie said. Stay below the fuse amperage.
Last edited by jasonw; 09-27-2009 at 06:15 PM.