Alternator?

JJCMP478

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
40,000 MILES

For the last 6 months I noticed that when I start my vehicle my head lights & dash lights brighten up after about 10 seconds & start to flicker (strobing). My alternator, battery & other connections are clean & tight. Battery is charging & not giving me a problem. Is this a sign of a soon to fail alternator/regulator? As a back yard machanic I have never seen this happen.

Thanks,
John

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 6:48 PM

5 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Well what I would do first is take it to your local parts store. Have them do a battery and charging system test. Let me know what they find and we will take it from there.

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Thursday, February 18th, 2010 AT 9:13 AM

HAMMER15

MEMBER
1 POST
2000 CHEVROLET TRACKER
2.0L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
75,000 MILES

We replaced the alternator and know the belt is starting to tear. Do the pulleys on the alternator have a standard number of ribs, we think the pulley has 4 and the rest of our car has three. Would this cause the belt to break, or did we put the belt on wrong?

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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 12:02 PM (Merged)

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Torn belts can be for m misalignment, like a spacer missing from alternator, incorrect pulley (ribs). Normally you use the old pulley so no problems. Or oil on belt.

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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)

MSGB12000

MEMBER
3 POSTS
2000 CHEVROLET TRACKER
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
95,000 MILES

Where are the mounting bolts located that hold the alternator in place? We are trying to replace the alternator anr have only found the top (short) mounting bolt. Any help out there?

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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)

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