THSCC Forums

Anybody know of any online guides to checking the alternator on a ’92 Laser/Talon/Eclipse? The other day, the car died while Kristin was driving and it wouldn’t restart. After messing around with it a bit, I managed to get it started but noticed the battery isn’t getting properly recharged. I can charge it to ~12.5 volts with and external charger and over the course of driving the car, it will (very) slowly drain down.

I got a new battery for it and it exhibited the same symptoms. I know the alternators on these things are known to be a little on the weak side but I can’t seem to find any info on performing a quick check. Do they act much like a standard alternator where you check the terminals in three different states to measure the voltage (like, say, a Miata)? I'm not getting any dash warning lights about the charging system if that matters.

Any other ideas of what it could be from any experienced DSM’ers?

Hey Les, could you bring the factory service manual to the night event next week?

Jim

Jim,

Im gonna have to start charging by the like for the help

Hell I the first one I found was EXACTLY like your situation, girlfriend driving the car and all!

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=35992a172141173472f09e10fea52539&threadid=108395&highlight=Dead+Alternator

Read this one all the way thru, the guy found a weird fuse issue that turned out to be the problem.

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=35992a172141173472f09e10fea52539&threadid=108395&highlight=Dead+Alternator

My gut feeling is the Alternator is bad, the powersteering sits right above the alternator and has been know to leak on 1st Gens (actually everything leaks) and tends to shorten thier life.

Ryan
DSM's: Turning normal people into mechanics since 1989!

_________________
02 Focus SVT
STF 9

But I hear you're cheap!

Seriously, thanks for the links again. I actually found that thread but it had some conflicting info in it so I wasn't sure what to do. Until I get the service manual from Les, I'm a little weary of trying anything without knowing for sure. Like the part about disconnecting the positive battery terminal while the car was running seemed a little fishy-- one guy says it's cool and another doesn't.

I also saw the part about the power steering pump leaking but it didn't seem like mine was doing that (yet?). There was a little gunk around the alternator but I think that is just from all the oil leaks! Just kidding, there are only a couple of oil leaks.

Anyway, I'll mess around with it tomorrow and see if I can figure something out. I was hoping somebody had the correct voltages for the alternator terminals but I'm not in big hurry to get it fixed. I may stop by B&N to see if the Haynes or Chiltons manual has some info. I should probably pick one up anyway.

Besides, I still have the Miata to drive around in the meantime.

Thanks again,

Jim

- p.s. did you mean to post the same link twice?

Per page 8-142 (Charging System Specs) Mitsubishi Service Manual

Alternator Voltage:

13.9V-14-9V @ 68* F


BTW- I thought you had the service manual on CD? If ya need a copy I can burn one for you. Has EVERYTHING in it you would ever want to know. I should be at the night event on the 9th.

_________________
02 Focus SVT
STF 9

Thanks, I'll check it out when (if???) it quits raining over here.



You were going to make me a copy when you got back from Richmond. I had forgotten to remind you about it, though.

I've been just winging it so far. Which, for me, is a dangerous thing.

Jim

- haven't blown anything yet, though...

If everything stays the course, I'll be at the night event on Dec 9th. I'll bring you a copy then.




Im not touching that statement...

_________________
02 Focus SVT
STF 9

Heh, I meant "blown UP".

No, really!

Ohhh, never mind...

There is a reason that they sell a more complicated electrical kill
switch for cars that have alternators. (I'm talking about the kill
switches you generally see on road racing cars.) The simple ones
just switch one wire: they disconnect the positive battery terminal.
For cars with alternators, this would likely fry something in short order.
The higher model ones have another wire that grounds the alternator
output through a resistor. This protects the alternator.

Bottom line: disconnecting the positive battery terminal while the
engine is running: not recommended.

Anders

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Lina Racing: As Seen On Radio

Hey Jim, That battery should be fine, it isn't very old and is an Interstate, which I swear by. The alternator on the other hand is probably the source of your problem. If you are only seeing 12.5 volts at the battery when the car is running, that is probably it. It did have some gunk build up on it. I will try to remember the manual next week.