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1997 Pontiac Grand Am Repair Question


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

Asked on June 9, 2009

1997 Pontiac Grand Am fusible links

Electrical problem
1997 Pontiac Grand Am 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 115000 miles

I have just installed a new alternator on my car(which was tested before I brought it home it tested good) the problem is that the fusible links keep burning up, also the wire gets very hot to the alternator, (the large wire.) THe alternator is putting out aprox 13.5 volts if I skip the fuse but I can not do that for safety reasons.
Avatar Asked by Dan Lasher

Answer

Replied on June 10, 2009


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Graphic2_186.jpg



As you see in the diagram its a straight shot from the starter solenoid
do not take this the wrong way but the most common I ve seen and admit that I did it once or twice is over torque the nut and the wire causing the insulator to brake and ground the terminal
you may check that
Ohm check the red wire,
check around the exhaust system for a melted wire
good luck and let me know

Need parts check it @
http://www.eautopartstore.com/

Tiny Answered by BMRFIXIT (expert)
19,736 answers provided
Replied on June 10, 2009

After you ran a wire was it the fuse thatburn or the fusible link

let me know

*****************************************
need manual CHECK IT @
http://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm
Need parts check it @
http://www.eautopartstore.com/

Tiny Answered by BMRFIXIT (expert)
19,736 answers provided
Replied on June 11, 2009

Jack thanks for your help. actually I replaced the link and it burnt up,then I wired in a 40 amp fuse and it poped that too. Ive done electrical work for years an this one has me confused.

Tiny Response from Dan Lasher
1 question asked

Replied on June 11, 2009

We still talking about the red wire rear of alternator
you ran a new wire from the battery to the alternator with a 40 A fuse and the fuse burnt than I would suspect bad alternator
let me know

Tiny Answered by BMRFIXIT (expert)
19,736 answers provided
Replied on June 12, 2009

yes it is the big red wire to thealt and the battery

Tiny Response from Dan Lasher
1 question asked
Replied on June 12, 2009

Hi Dan
was the alternator changed ?
let me know

Tiny Answered by BMRFIXIT (expert)
19,736 answers provided

Replied on June 15, 2009

yes i bought a rebuilt alt - but I had them test it before I left the Store it checked good Thanks for your help! also it does put out 13.5 volts . but burns up the fusible link

Tiny Response from Dan Lasher
1 question asked
Replied on June 15, 2009

Alternator is new and you ran a new wire and fused it and keep on burning the fuse
you have an over load, at this point I would retest the battery and or try another one
let me know

Tiny Answered by BMRFIXIT (expert)
19,736 answers provided