Pontiac Repair: alternator, grand prix 3, dead battery

Question
2000 grand prix 3.1engine The red wire on the alternator is hot and sparking. car would not start so i got a jump that is when i noticed it sparking.

Answer
Hi Glenn:

well that's not good at all. It can be from a few things. Why did the battery go dead? has the alternator light been on at all when the engine is running? If the battery was completly discharged "DEAD" then when you first strted it up the alternator is maxed out on it's capacity and the extra amperage it's pushing into a bad battery can cause the increased heat. Sparking is not good it could be that the alternator is comming apart inside due to the overlaod trying to charge a dead battery. I would try to charge the battery up with a charger and then restart the car and see what happens but My guess is the alternator is damaged. If this car still has the original battery in it then don't even bother trying to charge it. just replace it. It's well over due to be changed. Good luck :)