Alternator and battery issues Pontiac grand am 2003

Asked by Kurt Sep 03, 2018 at 06:18 AM about the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am GT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I just replaced my spark plugs a week ago on my
Pontiac grand am 2003 and accidentally arced out
the main cord on the alternator. After that car
would not keep a charge and thought i fried the
alternator. I replaced the alternator 3 days ago i
have a battery i bought a week 1/2 ago and i still
lose power while driving. I got the battery tested
and it was good. Alternator seems to be working
but yet i still lose power while driving and battery
does not last for more then 1/2 hr of driving after i
put it at a full charge can someone please give me
some advice what o should look at next

159,345

Bob answered 6 years ago

Check to see if there is a fusible link at the end of the alternator wire close to the battery. That would be the wire you shorted out. This wire should have battery voltage on it all all times, engine running or not. Also check your fuses. If you have a volt / ohm meter connect the leads at the battery to see if you have 13.2 to 14.8 volts at the battery with the engine running. If the voltage is under 12.6 then the alternator is not charging the battery.

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