Alternator problem

Tiny
TBONE56
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD ESCORT
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 190,000 MILES
My alternator went out. Bought new one and installed it. Ran for a day then 30 amp fuel injector fuse blew out. Replaced it car ran, but new alternator went bad. Had alternator checked it was bad. Had a new alternator checked before installing was good. Also had battery checked. They said it was bad so I bought new battery. Before installing battery put in new alternator then connected battery. Started car fuel injector 30 amp blows. Replaced fuse. Car started but charge light was on. Took new alternator off had it checked showed bad. Same alternator they checked before I bought it. So alternator still under warranty. Just taped off wires to alternator without installing it. Car started fine and drove. Why would alternator keep going out immediately when car is started?
Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 11:23 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Remanufactured alternators have a high failure rate right out of the box, if your using remanufactured parts? I do realize, a brand new component can be pricey.

You can check wiring circuits to and from alternator and battery. I do not know if injector fuse blowing has anything to do with alternator? If you have a digital multi-meter, you can do some testing on your charging system. If the system is overcharging or undercharging, hopefully it will show up with testing.

Check out the links, interesting info.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
TBONE56
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Had both re-manufactured alternators tested before installed. Had third one checked before taking it. Tested good. This is my wiring diagram.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 12:02 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I just wanted to ask, do you have an after-market stereo system? The amp spikes from the speakers can damage the alternator. They make a buffer for that. I would not think it would go out that quickly. Is there a capacitor in your charging system, I have not looked at the wiring circuit, yet. Your alternator has the proper amp rating? Check the amp draw. I think my first post is more to the point.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
TBONE56
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No aftermarket stereo. Will test with multimeter. Thank you.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
TBONE56
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  • 5 POSTS
Car is stock.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Your injector fuse is involved, Our information says terminal A is hot all the time. You can check that circuit.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
TBONE56
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Took my car to the pro's. Was a ground issue not sure exactly where till I pick up my car. They replaced alternator belt and some wiring $95.00. Happy camper. Thanks for your help.
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Friday, July 1st, 2016 AT 9:44 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Good to hear you the problem is fixed, thanks for using 2Carpros we are here to help

Best, Ken
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Friday, July 1st, 2016 AT 12:34 PM

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