3 Seconds - Alternator

[jwilson]

According to the "EXPERT" at Auto Zone my battery is not recieving any juice from the alternator for 3 - 5 seconds after starting which has caused battery failure. I think it is closer to 3 seconds because I can here the H3 amp up at about 3 seconds after ignition. Normal or alternator failing ?

Thanks
JW

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

does the CEL or the battery light stay on? your entire dashboard will light up like a christmas tree if the alternator isn't working (because the computer will think its getting faults from all the sensors)

H3s have "smart" alternators - they are computer controlled, so the voltage generated (wrong word, but run with it) when there is no load is zero. Back in the day, if the alternator was spinning, it was providing output - in todays world of fuel economy, GM figured that if the stopped the load when it wasn't needed they could gain a bit of MPG number (which is why your MPG numbers tend to be lower, not higher than what the sticker said)


Autozone expert :whaa: :giggle::giggle::giggle:
they are experts in determining which auto freshener is necessary for your car.... that's about it

 

[jwilson]

No dashboard lights stay on - everything appears normal.
Maybe he was just trying to offset the cost of the FREE warranty replacement battery that he had to install for me by trying to talk me into an ALT purchase.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

No dashboard lights stay on - everything appears normal.
Maybe he was just trying to offset the cost of the FREE warranty replacement battery that he had to install for me by trying to talk me into an ALT purchase.

yep, run "computer controlled alternator" by them, and that SBG is an attorney and you'll have a battery quicker than the multipack of air fresheners will make you vomit.

 

[alrock]

Yeah, what he said

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[LagunaH1]

H3s have "smart" alternators - they are computer controlled, so the voltage generated (wrong word, but run with it) when there is no load is zero.

I heard somewhere that another reason for the regulated output is to put as little load on the alternator as possible and thereby prolong its life.

 

[DJinCO]

I heard somewhere that another reason for the regulated output is to put as little load on the alternator as possible and thereby prolong its life.

Just think, if the alternator can last beyond the warrantee period, that's a win for GM.

 

[MaxPF]

Vatozone guy is a moron. It takes a few seconds after the engine is running before the computer commands the alternator to crank out juice.

 

[LagunaH1]

I was going to say... a few seconds ought to be *very* doable for most batteries

 

[6pack]

Speaking of alternators, has anyone replaced theirs with a high output model? If so, which one?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Speaking of alternators, has anyone replaced theirs with a high output model? If so, which one?

Monday, I'm supposed to receive my Powermaster 225 amp alternator for my H3.... stay tuned for how it fits/works

 

[Renagade132]

I'm getting a high powered 300 amp one for my H2 soon as well, I will find out who it's manufactured by, as my mechanic buddy is the one that ordered it for me.