Cadillac Repair: Cadillac Catera alternator problem, cadillac catera, alternator problem

Question
QUESTION: Hello Tom,

I have a power issue with my 1999 catera. I have replaced the alternator twice and the battery once. The car works well for a month or so, then loses power and alternator goes dead. I can not figure out what the problem is. I replaced the crank shaft sensor about four months back which was causing some problems. Should I look at a new car?

Thanks,

Billy

ANSWER: Explain in more detail your statement: loses power and alternator goes dead.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, the power gage will go into the red and pretty soon the car is just running on battery. This all happens fairly quickly (the car is running fine and then the next day the alternator is gone). Autozone has tested the alternators when I've taken them back and they are bad. I'm just trying to figure out if it's an electrical issue with the car that is corrupting the alternator or maybe I'm just having bad luck with alternators.

Thanks again,

Billy

Answer
what work of ankind what-so-ever has been performed on the vehicle within the last 6 months other than the alternator ?.

AInstall a new alternator and make sure that you charge the vehicles battery to full capacity using a battery charger BEFORE you strt the engine. Letting the alternator recharge the battery will make the alternator extremly HOT and can cause internal component failure.

I would also strongly suggest that you replace BOTH battery cables as they tend to corrode internally.