why are alternator failures so previlant on 92-94 models?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Chicago, IL
I remember during a 6 months stretch he had gone through 3 alternators and yes it was from AutoZone. Where is a good place to buy one if it fails? I will never buy a Autozone alternator again. Are those small shops where they only do alternator and starters any good its usually a 2-3 guys working there.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Central Florida
I've got 158K miles on my original alternator. Might be because I have a low end model with only the basic power items. No power or heated seats, no ELC, no ECC, etc.
I would definitely consider the factors mentioned above:
- How often car is driven = battery drain
- What quality rebuilt Alternator is going into car = case of you get what you pay for
- Maybe put in 140A alt. = particularly if the first two aren't the issue and he has all the bells and whistles
Other than that, have a GOOD auto electrician (hard to find) test for intermittent shorts. I had an Olds Cierra that ate alternators for a year or so until I found a great electrician. He found an intermittent short in 5 minutes. Problem gone. I was so happy I tipped him.
I would definitely consider the factors mentioned above:
- How often car is driven = battery drain
- What quality rebuilt Alternator is going into car = case of you get what you pay for
- Maybe put in 140A alt. = particularly if the first two aren't the issue and he has all the bells and whistles
Other than that, have a GOOD auto electrician (hard to find) test for intermittent shorts. I had an Olds Cierra that ate alternators for a year or so until I found a great electrician. He found an intermittent short in 5 minutes. Problem gone. I was so happy I tipped him.
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