Alternator??

[PTloser32805]

Hey guys, Cruiser down...

I saw my battery light come on at night. In morning she started up.

I noticed windows slow, radio turned off. I pulled into an autozone and it stalled.

I think it’s the alternator. Do I have to lower the engine to replace it?

[ptcruisersteve]

I would suggest a battery load test first.

If battery checks out good I would check the battery volt to see if you are getting 14 volts or above with the engine running. If you are getting 14 volts or higher I would check the battery cable connectors. If you are not getting 14 volts or higher I would suggest you check all the wires going to the alternator first. On the 2001 & 2002 Pt Cruisers it is common for the wires to drop down to the half shaft and short out the wires going to the alternator.

What year is your Pt Cruiser?

[PTloser32805]

I’ll have a load test done now that it’s charged. It’s an 2001. I had crank position sensor issues in the wiring I fixed.

Everything wire wise looked fine not too long ago.

[JoeX]

Originally Posted by PTloser32805

I’ll have a load test done now that it’s charged. It’s an 2001. I had crank position sensor issues in the wiring I fixed.

Everything wire wise looked fine not too long ago.

the crank position sensor on 2001 is just above the oil filter on the back side of the motor.
The wiring harness sometimes is not secured and rubs on the right axle causing problems with charging because of broken wiring. Check this first.

[PTloser32805]

Got the car home finally, bought a new battery.

12.5 volts drove home 5 miles. 12.4 engine off

Turned engine on 12.1 volts. So it’s for sure not being charged by the car.

I hope it’s just the alternator, not the wiring.

[ptcruisersteve]

Originally Posted by PTloser32805

Got the car home finally, bought a new battery.

12.5 volts drove home 5 miles. 12.4 engine off

Turned engine on 12.1 volts. So it’s for sure not being charged by the car.

I hope it’s just the alternator, not the wiring.

I would suggest making sure the wiring has not dropped down shorting out the wires first before looking at the alternator. Also make sure the wires going to the alternator are secure. Some members have found the wires loose or not making contact.

[pt06]

I'd say Chrysler alternators last 100K to 150K plus miles. I just got a rebuilt alternator from Advanced Auto for my truck. Seemed like a good piece. I took the end cover off. New brush pack and bolts etc.

According to the 2006 manual, the right axle must be removed to get the alt. out. There is a fusible link bolted to the starter terminal that goes to the alt. output terminal. I'd look at that for signs of heat or corrosion.

[ajhockey3]

Originally Posted by pt06

I'd say Chrysler alternators last 100K to 150K plus miles. I just got a rebuilt alternator from Advanced Auto for my truck. Seemed like a good piece. I took the end cover off. New brush pack and bolts etc.

According to the 2006 manual, the right axle must be removed to get the alt. out. There is a fusible link bolted to the starter terminal that goes to the alt. output terminal. I'd look at that for signs of heat or corrosion.

Mine lasted 140,000KM, pretty sure its fairly normal. Doesn't look fun to replace, Have to remove the driveshaft.

[PTloser32805]

Took it to a really accommodating shop near me.


The battery cable wire broke off at the terminal clamp where it bolts onto the alternator. I still went ahead and put the new alternator in.

Anyone want to buy my used, working alternator? Ha ha

[_PTGT03]

Originally Posted by PTloser32805

Took it to a really accommodating shop near me.


The battery cable wire broke off at the terminal clamp where it bolts onto the alternator. I still went ahead and put the new alternator in.

Anyone want to buy my used, working alternator? Ha ha

better to keep it in a spare parts box in your garage, you never know when it will be useful