2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

HOME > Saturn > SC1

1993 Saturn SC1 Repair Question

Topics covered: Battery, Alternator, Radio.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on July 26, 2012

Alternator issue

I have a 93 sc1 with a new engine replaced about 1 1/2 years ago i am at a loss i had the original alternator go out so went to the junkyard found another had it tested and was good at 14.25 it lasted about 35 days so thinking it was from a junkyard and i have no idea how long it sat in the yard i decided to get a brand new one well here i am today 2 months later and the new alternator is now also burned up i have figured out my tale tale sign is my stereo will cut in and out (meaning turn off and back on when it is turned up to loud) and when the alternator goes out the car runs till the battery dies then shuts off completely i have checked the battery it charges and holds a charge just fine the car was lowered and has been since i bought the car in 09 all the dust shields are on and in tact any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,
Cory

Asked by leonratzo

Answer

Upgrade Question Ask a Question Car Repair Manual

Replied on July 26, 2012

Have you checked the actual voltage at the battery at idle?Then turned on all your accessories and seen what the voltage is?I have never seen that model saturn just eat up alternators one after another and i have been working on these cars since 1993.Did the junk yard alternator test bad when you replaced it?

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,192 answers provided

Replied on July 26, 2012

At idle battery checked at 14.35 with lights and radio on it droped to 13.10 on the meter after last alternator went out charged battery put meter on and it read 12.0 and started to decline and declined even faster when lights and radio where turned on I'm charging battery now and will test voltage when battery is charged

Response from leonratzo
1 question asked

Replied on July 26, 2012

Alright keep me posted.So far the voltage looks good i would also test the voltage with the ac on also if it works head lights on high beam blower fan on high.

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,192 answers provided

Replied on July 26, 2012

Ok ill let you know as for AC hasn't worked since I've owed the car I've checked it and the Ac compressor is bad needs replaced but has never caused an issue

Response from leonratzo
1 question asked

Replied on July 26, 2012

Alright keep me posted.

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,192 answers provided

Replied on July 27, 2012

Also when checking the voltage at the battery at idle run the high beam headlights and the blower motor on high even though the ac is inop.

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,192 answers provided

Replied on July 28, 2012

Ok sorry for the delay at idle battery reads 12.58 with lights on and high beams on and fan on high the voltage drops to 12.10 when revved to about 2500 rpms voltage drops to 12.08 hope this will help I'm at an utter loss as to why it's burning through alternator thus far oh and that's also with the radio on as well

Response from leonratzo
1 question asked

Replied on July 29, 2012

Have you checked to see if you left the fusable link loose on the alternator stud?Also what is the voltage at the battery with nothing on?

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,192 answers provided

Replied on July 29, 2012

I'll jack it up and look again I'm almost positive it's tight and as for battery with car off it reads 12.98

Response from leonratzo
1 question asked

Replied on July 29, 2012

I ment idling with nothing on voltage at the battery?

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,192 answers provided

Sign In to leave a reply!