1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

94 bonneville

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 18, 2009 | 06:21 PM
  #1  
bonneville94's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
bonneville94 is on a distinguished road
Default 94 bonneville

I have a 94 Bonneville i bought it two years ago and yesterday i replaced the alternator for the 4th time does anyone know why this keeps happening??

This was moved from the Lounge to this location.

Last edited by Purplehazeir; Mar 18, 2009 at 07:21 PM. Reason: Post relocated
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2009 | 09:38 PM
  #2  
Toddster's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 0
Likes: 2
Toddster is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by bonneville94
I have a 94 Bonneville i bought it two years ago and yesterday i replaced the alternator for the 4th time does anyone know why this keeps happening??

This was moved from the Lounge to this location.
Where have you been buying them from?
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2009 | 10:44 PM
  #3  
teachutofly's Avatar
Junior Member
Posts like a V-Tak
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
teachutofly is on a distinguished road
Default

Sometimes when you replace an alternator, the battery is down; when you start up with the new alternator installed, it has to put out a very high current load for the first few minutes to recharge the battery. This can stress the alternator and lead to early failure later. The best technique is the charge the battery *before* the first start with the new alternator.

Some of the aftermarket shops have lifetime guarantees on alternators. Replacing one isn't very hard.

How many miles in the two years?

Have the charging system professionally checked--Sears will do it for about $10.

Also: a dying battery will cause your car to go through alternators more quickly, as they do not hold a charge, and thereby are constantly demanding charging current from the alternator. If the battery is weak, it should show up in the charging system test. If there is any doubt, change the battery.

I have gone through this several times; the only two batteries I have found that last well are the factory GM battery, and Sears DieHard. The top of the line DieHard is 1/3 the price of the GM battery... you decide. Their charging system check is also a fraction of the dealer price.

Another possibility: corroded terminals at the battery. They make for poor connections, thus lower charging voltage, and sort of simulate the conditions created by a weak battery. I pull into sears at least once per year, and have the charging system checked and the battery serviced and the terminals cleaned. Seems to help...
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2009 | 10:55 PM
  #4  
Danthurs's Avatar
Retired Senior Admin

Expert Gearhead
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 43
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Danthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to all
Default

I would agree to check the battery cables, both ends. Corroded cables are a some what common problem. Also test the battery cable. Here are some tests for you to try.

https://www.gmforum.com/t279494/

https://www.gmforum.com/t279492/
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GXP4me
Bonneville GXP/ Northstar Powered Cars
13
Aug 17, 2005 12:34 AM
dumbsioux
1992-1999
7
Aug 12, 2005 05:28 PM
Str8pimpin
1992-1999
1
Apr 18, 2005 08:02 AM
JLAudioEclipse
Lounge
0
Jun 30, 2004 12:41 AM
zzzzzeke
General GM Chat
12
Mar 1, 2003 02:57 AM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:54 AM.