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dog45us
New User
Nov 4, 2015, 10:59 AM
Post #1 of 9
(1893 views)
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94; Buick century. I was driving at night and all of sudden my lights would get bright then dim, my volt meter would pulsate real bad go way up then way down. the volts on the meter have always ran right below the red, I had the alternator tested they said it ran a 10 but periodically made a funny sound. do you recommend changing it or is there another problem?
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kev2
Veteran
Nov 4, 2015, 11:46 AM
Post #2 of 9
(1886 views)
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Re: 94 buick century
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it ran a 10- 10 what...this is a 12v system and alt will put out up to 14v so 10 cannot be voltage..
also check output amps and diode leakage..
any on going issues- as always check for codes even if light is off
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 4, 2015, 11:59 AM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: 94 buick century
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? Get codes as Kev suggested but limited info for a 1994. Diode 'trio' is what I call the thing inside you could buy separately still no doubt but think if you tested out 10VOLTS one is going or gone. Check plain connection from smaller plug and the spade terminals they connect to at alternator. If bad I don't think a rebuilt is that much and probably done once or more already - some don't replace all parts but clean up the old cores real good and usually just brushes?
Charge your battery with a charger just because before installing any replacement parts. It's no doubt low and if not at full charge may work a new alternator way too hard and blow that one too or harm it. You can tell because if safe to touch while charging up normally if so they get too hot to touch in a couple minutes - too much on them,
T
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dog45us
New User
Nov 4, 2015, 12:04 PM
Post #4 of 9
(1880 views)
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Re: 94 buick century
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that's what orileys told me it ran a ten it was fine. now should I just change it and hope for the best? cause idk what else to do
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 4, 2015, 12:16 PM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: 94 buick century
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Just a note - you need an explanation of what a "10" means from the test machine. I can't know what the heck they are doing or using and don't let places touch parts of mine thank you but understand.
For $10 bucks you can still get a cheap voltmeter and see what it says yourself and again with everything on, at idle like blower full blast, headlights high beams, RWD a big draw and should stay over 13V assertively or find out why? Bad alternator if it can fluctuate or connections as said. Belt has to be properly tight as well - some don't screech if slipping.
Guess you get my drift - not thrilled with some places usually FREE testing,
T
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dog45us
New User
Nov 4, 2015, 12:32 PM
Post #6 of 9
(1874 views)
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Re: 94 buick century
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also how to you get the belt back on? the altnator dosnt swivel where you can put the belt back on. had to damn near pry it off
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 4, 2015, 12:47 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: 94 buick century
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You release tension on the belt tensioner! Checked for a 3.1 V6 if not will check the 4 banger engine but from either the front or back there will be a square hole to turn to release belt. If you forced belt off or other trick you probably hurt the belt which may be fine now for testing but take a good look at it.
Tensioners (automatic ones) show a range where belt stretch over time has reaches. Look for plain marks for extremes of travel and see where it is when installed properly with belt.
One looks like this the 3/8ths square is handy as it's the same as a breaker bar or ratchet whichever works for you..........
Another showed the front with square I didn't show this is the back side not in quick view unless you look or feel for it,
T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 4, 2015, 5:44 PM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: 94 buick century
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I don't think this person is going to be able to pull trouble codes off that one. Its the in between year and you need an enhanced scan tool that Orilley won't have. Alternator isn't computer controlled anyway, so there are no codes for charging system problems.
Orilley diagnoses an alternator as good when it is outputting only 10 volts? That doesn't make sense.
If the funny noise is coming from the alternator and it is showing only 10 volts on the output lug, I'd say the alternator is bad.
Before you start up your vehicle after installing the new alternator, you should have your battery tested. If the battery is good, charge it fully off board. You sure don't want your new alternator frying itself trying to charge a junk battery. Also make sure your battery connections are free of corrosion and tight.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 4, 2015, 5:46 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 4, 2015, 7:00 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: 94 buick century
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According to Alldata there was mixed use in this year. Some vehicles still had the 12 pin connector and those could get flash codes but others had the 16 pin and those required a professional OBD1 scan tool.
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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.
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