2 Bad Alternators within a month
04-18-2023, 06:54 PM
#1
Thread Starter
2 Bad Alternators within a month
Hello All,
I've recently replaced the alternator in my 2005 S2000 twice within the last month and also have put in a new Interstate battery from Costco. The original died, I assumed from age and use, the second alternator started showing the battery light about 2 days after installation. This one was from O'Reilly. The third alternator is one I purchased from an alternator rebuilding shop, and lasted about 2 days as well before the battery light appeared. Not sure what is going on, if I have some kind of other electrical issue or not. I called hondaautomotiveparts.com and they told me I can't purchase anymore rebuilt or new ones from them anymore.
Would appreciate any pointers on how I can troubleshoot this, or if I should just give up and take it to a shop.
I've recently replaced the alternator in my 2005 S2000 twice within the last month and also have put in a new Interstate battery from Costco. The original died, I assumed from age and use, the second alternator started showing the battery light about 2 days after installation. This one was from O'Reilly. The third alternator is one I purchased from an alternator rebuilding shop, and lasted about 2 days as well before the battery light appeared. Not sure what is going on, if I have some kind of other electrical issue or not. I called hondaautomotiveparts.com and they told me I can't purchase anymore rebuilt or new ones from them anymore.
Would appreciate any pointers on how I can troubleshoot this, or if I should just give up and take it to a shop.
The following users liked this post:
windhund116 (04-19-2023)
04-19-2023, 08:11 AM
#3
Best alternator is your oem alternator
Only things that wear out are brushes, and if you jump start it, and not uncommon for rectifier to go dead. Especially after jumpstart. Both easy fixes. DIY instructions in threads on this site.
Eventually obviously bearings will wear out, but even cars with 400k miles are still on original alternator.
Only things that wear out are brushes, and if you jump start it, and not uncommon for rectifier to go dead. Especially after jumpstart. Both easy fixes. DIY instructions in threads on this site.
Eventually obviously bearings will wear out, but even cars with 400k miles are still on original alternator.
04-19-2023, 09:11 AM
#4
Thread Starter
Best alternator is your oem alternator
Only things that wear out are brushes, and if you jump start it, and not uncommon for rectifier to go dead. Especially after jumpstart. Both easy fixes. DIY instructions in threads on this site.
Eventually obviously bearings will wear out, but even cars with 400k miles are still on original alternator.
Only things that wear out are brushes, and if you jump start it, and not uncommon for rectifier to go dead. Especially after jumpstart. Both easy fixes. DIY instructions in threads on this site.
Eventually obviously bearings will wear out, but even cars with 400k miles are still on original alternator.
Should I try one from a salvage yard?
04-19-2023, 09:12 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Sorry as I'm not much of a mechanic, but theres only two connections on the back of the alternator. The one with the bolt and the other that clips on. Which should I check and what should I look for?
04-19-2023, 09:21 AM
#6
I've had bad luck with parts store reman'd units. Each time it has been an issue with the voltage regulator heat soaking and taking a dump. (I used 2 from AutoZone and 1 from a local independent rebuilder)
My buddy gave me a high mileage, dirty and disgusting looking OEM part he pulled out from the bottom of his storage pile. I put that in my car, problem solved. I put a ton of miles on that one!
That was several years ago. I learned my lesson. OEM or nothing. But if OEM is not available, I'm not sure who is currently offering reliable units.
My buddy gave me a high mileage, dirty and disgusting looking OEM part he pulled out from the bottom of his storage pile. I put that in my car, problem solved. I put a ton of miles on that one!
That was several years ago. I learned my lesson. OEM or nothing. But if OEM is not available, I'm not sure who is currently offering reliable units.
04-19-2023, 10:14 AM
#7
Hello All,
I've recently replaced the alternator in my 2005 S2000 twice within the last month and also have put in a new Interstate battery from Costco. The original died, I assumed from age and use, the second alternator started showing the battery light about 2 days after installation. This one was from O'Reilly. The third alternator is one I purchased from an alternator rebuilding shop, and lasted about 2 days as well before the battery light appeared. Not sure what is going on, if I have some kind of other electrical issue or not. I called hondaautomotiveparts.com and they told me I can't purchase anymore rebuilt or new ones from them anymore.
Would appreciate any pointers on how I can troubleshoot this, or if I should just give up and take it to a shop.
I've recently replaced the alternator in my 2005 S2000 twice within the last month and also have put in a new Interstate battery from Costco. The original died, I assumed from age and use, the second alternator started showing the battery light about 2 days after installation. This one was from O'Reilly. The third alternator is one I purchased from an alternator rebuilding shop, and lasted about 2 days as well before the battery light appeared. Not sure what is going on, if I have some kind of other electrical issue or not. I called hondaautomotiveparts.com and they told me I can't purchase anymore rebuilt or new ones from them anymore.
Would appreciate any pointers on how I can troubleshoot this, or if I should just give up and take it to a shop.
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04-19-2023, 10:29 AM
#8
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I would check the voltage with the car running
Get a volt meter.
Expose the power post of the alternator (the one behind the rubber boot).
Turn on the car.
While its running....
Measure at the power post on the alternator. Put the positive probe on the power post. Put the negative probe on bare metal on the engine block.
Compare that measurement to what you're getting at the battery posts.
Let us know.
Get a volt meter.
Expose the power post of the alternator (the one behind the rubber boot).
Turn on the car.
While its running....
Measure at the power post on the alternator. Put the positive probe on the power post. Put the negative probe on bare metal on the engine block.
Compare that measurement to what you're getting at the battery posts.
Let us know.
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Jwong77 (04-19-2023)
04-19-2023, 11:25 AM
#9
Thread Starter
04-19-2023, 11:26 AM
#10
Thread Starter
I would check the voltage with the car running
Get a volt meter.
Expose the power post of the alternator (the one behind the rubber boot).
Turn on the car.
While its running....
Measure at the power post on the alternator. Put the positive probe on the power post. Put the negative probe on bare metal on the engine block.
Compare that measurement to what you're getting at the battery posts.
Let us know.
Get a volt meter.
Expose the power post of the alternator (the one behind the rubber boot).
Turn on the car.
While its running....
Measure at the power post on the alternator. Put the positive probe on the power post. Put the negative probe on bare metal on the engine block.
Compare that measurement to what you're getting at the battery posts.
Let us know.