Q45 Alternator?
Q45 Alternator?
Last night the ABS, SLIP warning lights plus "Low Batt Charging" message on my '94 Q45A went on, and are still on. I checked the LED on the ABS Control Module; its blinking 10 times.From reading other posts it sems to be a typical case of an alternator failure.I need your help to try to precissely diagnose the problem: I used a digital volt-meter to check the voltage at the battery posts with the engine running - it varied from approximattely 17 volts to 13 or 14. Fairly unstable, though. Is this ok? Could it be the diode pack?I already checked the relays on the ABS actuator and they seem to be working ok.Any idea on where to check if the power to the ABS Control Module is ok? Where in the alternator would I find the appropriate connetor (feeding the ABS control module)?Note: the dashboard and driving lights went from very bright to dim to bright again. Possible loose connection/ground? Any ideas?Thaks in advance for your help!!
It's a pretty safe bet your alternator is going out. 17 volts is not OK, and it could be your battery is bad as well. How old is it? A lot of national chains have charging system analyzers they'll put on the car for free or for pretty cheap. I would have this done just to be certain, cause the alt is not a cheap part nor easy to replace. The bright/dim dash lights is just another symptom of a bad alt.
Only if you consider the engine dying unexpectedly "safe". Not sure what the risks are if your car is running at too high a voltage though. Aside from that, it depends how far you have to go, whether you have to cross any busy intersections or get on any freeways, and whether you have a contingency plan should the car die halfway to the shop.
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Q45tech
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- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
Don't make the mistake of thinking that ANY chain store reman is anywhere close to the factory unit........which is rebuilt to brand new specs.......many times you get a brand new unit!
Pretty inexpensive for something that will last 80-120k.
Always replace your battery if over 2 years old as a bad uncharged batttery will take years off a perfect alternator life and usually destroy a cheap remanned one in a month [especially in summer].
Pretty inexpensive for something that will last 80-120k.
Always replace your battery if over 2 years old as a bad uncharged batttery will take years off a perfect alternator life and usually destroy a cheap remanned one in a month [especially in summer].
I would definitely stay away from chain store reman; that's what all other posts clearly advise.One last question (I hope): Could a weak battery (435 CCA instead of 700 CCA) cause similar symptoms?Note: I had the battery tested last night and in theory needs to be replaced, but I had already ran the car for 15 to 20 min with the "Low Charging..." message on.