Bad alternator? - Engine and Car Noises


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Bad alternator?

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arcan1te
New User

Jan 1, 2011, 10:42 PM

Post #1 of 3 (2367 views)

Bad alternator?	Sign In

2003
Buick
Century
3.1 v-6
70k miles

First problem car wouldn't turn over at all, inside lights bright and shinning, electric windows worked find, dash light working good not fading. Tapped on alternator with wrench few time car started up. Next day loud knocking coming from engine, sounded like from pistons? But the alternator was also close maybe from there? Knocking would was during idle, drive, park everything, shaking a bit when idleing kinda like a tire about to blow... just had new tires but on 3 weeks ago. After sitting in garage for 2 day tried starting just to see if problem magically was fixed :) and the car just died lights started flickering, battery seem to die, and now lights, windows nothing electrical is working i assume battery is dead but maybe just needs a charge... Would a bad alternator maybe cause this or am I completly off base? Thanks for any and all help.

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 2, 2011, 5:17 AM

Post #2 of 3 (2361 views)

Re: Bad alternator?	Sign In

The interior lights and windows working means nothing as far as the battery is concerned. You need to get the battery tested before going any further.

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 2, 2011, 11:25 AM

Post #3 of 3 (2357 views)

Re: Bad alternator?	Sign In

To add: Battery is there and powerful - 90% of it's power is just to crank the engine - other stuff is mostly minimal.

This noise after whacking alternator? If that physically broke the alternator of course it has to go.

Connection w GM side posts are a problem spot. They are covered with now hardened plastic but need to be known clean and good or replaced.

Note: Alternator does keep a battery charged but none are meant to charge a dead battery which should be via a battery charger - then let a good alternator take it from there. Take belt off and see if it is seized up or something - dunno - not there to observe all this. Yes - an alternator can short inside and take out charge of battery or even kill a good one,

T

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