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Will not stay charged

Tiny
ATHOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I changed alternator three times, replaced battery, tensioner, and belt. Drive for a little while until battery ran down. Please help!
Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 AT 12:26 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You need to test the voltage at the battery to see if the alternator is working.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Roy
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ATHOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Yes alternator is working.
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, what is the voltage at the battery with the engine is running?

Roy
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ATHOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Battery light indicate in middle when it's crank first as you driving battery meter goes down.
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Got it.

Again, what is the voltage at the battery with the engine running?

Roy
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ATHOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
14 volts.
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, that is the correct voltage.

You say that the voltage drops while it is running?

What kind or brand alternators are you using?

Roy
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ATHOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
It begins to drop after five to ten minutes while driving, not sure what kind nor brand. However, I can find out.
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Please do. It sounds like the alternator.

Roy
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ATHOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, but I have replaced it twice and the alternator I have now was tested at the place of purchase.
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, then you need to check the connectors on the alternator to be sure they are clean and tight. There may be corrosion in the connectors.

Roy
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 10:46 AM

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