QuestionQUESTION: I have heard it is not too difficult to replace the alternator in my 89 Cadillac Sedan Deville V8, but I've never done this and obviously don't have much experience working on cars. Is this something that can be done with very little car maintenance experience? The belt seems extremely tight, is there a way to 'release' this belt? are there wiring issues? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
ANSWER: Sorry, I did not get back to you earlier. Did you resolve your problem ?
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QUESTION: Not yet. Money has been tight and I've been using public transportation, but want it repaired very sooon. I actually brought the new battery (I bought last month) in last week to get tested, and it failed, so I received a replacement. After 2 days it needed a jump. I pulled it out and now believe it must be the alternator or voltage regulator. I figured I would just bring it into the shop this week. Any advice?
ANSWER: WHAT makes you believe that the alternator is FAULTY ?>
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QUESTION: Purely word of mouth. Here's the history:
1. Battery dead - jumped - didnt retain charge, so I assumed the cells were shot and got a new battery.
2. New battery died 3 days later. Brought it in to get tested - failed - got new battery.
3. The second new battery failed 3 days later - pulled battery out and have it sitting in garage.
I am going to get my current battery tested to find out the status. What do you think it is?
AnswerRecharge the battery for at least 24 hours on LOW charge as I have discovered lately that a new battery is only partially charged when you buy it and if you do not drive alot it will be DEAD in 2 or 3 days.
After you fully charge the battery, Drive the car into any AUTOZONE parts store or similar parts store and they will teast the alternator output usually for FREE.
