Car trouble

Asked by Needhelp11 Aug 13, 2016 at 02:28 PM about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2001 Malibu when you crank the car after a few
secs. Horn beeps then battery light appears drive it
for a little then abs light appears gauges move up
and down then it dies we have changed the battery
twice and also changed the alternator first with a
102A then the 105A all with the same failed results
for some reason it's like the alternator will not
charge the battery please help my daughter n law
needs car for school ASAP what are we missing
trying to not bring to dealer she doesn't really have
the $$ for all that

4 Answers
103,445

KenF answered 8 years ago

Flickering gauges are a sign of bad or weak charging system, and the fact even new batteries are dying in this car indicates a problem with the charging system. Even though you replaced the alternator take it in and have it tested, even new/rebuilt units can be defective, it may be a problem with the regulator. You need at least 13.5v to the battery when charging. Be sure to inspect your battery cables and grounds. There are multiple grounds on a car, but you really want to make sure the alternator and neg. batt. cable are well grounded. Last is wouldn't hurt to inspect the serpentine belt as well, make sure it isn't loose. If the tensioner is fading the belt may be slipping on the alternator pulley.

Mark helpful

Needhelp11 answered 8 years ago

All that seems fine, as soon as you crank car it reads power at alternator then shows no power from alternator???? Is there something else that would make alternator not work even though it is a good altenator

Mark helpful
103,445

KenF answered 8 years ago

I've bought brand new alternators that turned out to be bad. They are remanufactured units, if it tests bad, return it and get another one.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

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