Alternator on a 2004 Turbo Lite.

[1911ly]

Hello all.

The old gal has been running great, until she wasn't lol.

The Alternator is not charging. The PCM appears to be working and turning it on. The field winding's are on and the back of the alternator is magnetic. But sadly no output. I have battery voltage at the alternator post. Probably diodes or regulator crapped. I most likely will just replace it but I will take it apart once I get it out and see.

The issue is it looks to be a PIA to get out. I know one of you fellows/gals have pulled an alternator on one of these Turbo's before. It looks like I can pull the inter fender well liner and yank the axle and maybe the oil filter/cooler on the block. What say you all? Is there enough room? Or a better way to do it?

It's also time to do belts and I noticed a cracked CV boot. A few oil leaks. Not to surprising for a 15 year old car with 100k miles. It's a good time to go over everything while I am under there.

I will add the battery opened a cell out of the blue. I am gonna guess that stressed the alternator.

Thanks in advance for any info/insight you can share. I love this car and she has lots of life left in her. She will live to drive another day. One way or another.

Larry

[ptcruisersteve]

Originally Posted by 1911ly

Hello all.

The old gal has been running great, until she wasn't lol.

The Alternator is not charging. The PCM appears to be working and turning it on. The field winding's are on and the back of the alternator is magnetic. But sadly no output. I have battery voltage at the alternator post. Probably diodes or regulator crapped. I most likely will just replace it but I will take it apart once I get it out and see.

The issue is it looks to be a PIA to get out. I know one of you fellows/gals have pulled an alternator on one of these Turbo's before. It looks like I can pull the inter fender well liner and yank the axle and maybe the oil filter/cooler on the block. What say you all? Is there enough room? Or a better way to do it?

It's also time to do belts and I noticed a cracked CV boot. A few oil leaks. Not to surprising for a 15 year old car with 100k miles. It's a good time to go over everything while I am under there.

I will add the battery opened a cell out of the blue. I am gonna guess that stressed the alternator.

Thanks in advance for any info/insight you can share. I love this car and she has lots of life left in her. She will live to drive another day. One way or another.

Larry

what voltage at 2500 rpm?

[1911ly]

It stays at battery voltage. At the moment it is around 11.9. Does not seem to change with RPM range.

[1911ly]

I was kinda hoping one of you might have had to replace the alternator and had some tips. Why reinvent the wheel when doing something. I might not get a chance to putz with this thing until spring. I can lower my standards and drive my Yukon for the winter :-( Lol. TBH the way I beat on the PT Cruiser, the gas millage is not drastically difference. I bought it for fun not gas millage.

When I replace the alternator I will make notes and take some pics If my plan works out I will post the info here so maybe it will help someone else. I think I can pull the axle, splash cover and maybe the oil cooler and wiggle it out the bottom.

If it gives me a fit I will just pull the motor and give it all a good going over. It just crested 100k miles.Timing Belt and head were done at 85k (4 years ago) but I will do a new belt while I am at it any way. Maybe a new turbo and check the manifold over. Aren't they noted for cracking?

I have been missing my PT. I will post when I get her back on the road. Most likely in the warmer weather. i really love the car. She will ride again.

Thanks
Larry

PS, on another note I did notice the last time I started it I rev'ed it hard and the alternator did flicker.

[Busted_PT]

Brushes worn out. You can order these. When they get short. They can't reach the armature. You don't nessasarly get new ones in a remanufactured one. New would be costly. So if it put out a little once in a while. It's the brushed bouncing close enough to cause a flicker. Ebay the parts and see how little the are.

[1911ly]

Thanks. Busted PT

I will take it apart when I get it out. And check them. The field is turning on. The alternator is magnetic when it runs. I will check the diode's and all. New regulator too. I haven't done that in years.

[chuzz]

I found this by doing a search of the forum. Not my words here, just what I found:

Keep in mind that the alternator field circuit must be working in order for current to be produced. I don't have a wiring diagram to help you.

The alternator comes out through the wheel well. The manual says to remove the axle shaft.

[1911ly]

Well, how long does it take to change a Alternator on a PT Turbo Cruiser. Almost 3 years lol. Sadly. Health issues and lack of help and the unwillingness to pay someone to do it all factored in to things.

At any rate, you do not have to pull the engine to do it. I did have to lift it a little. Also had to pull the axle shaft. It was a PIA for a 60 year old man with a bunch of health issues. But she's done aand runs, drives and needs some PM after this long time sitting. She has 100.100 miles. Really low for it's age.

Another one lives on.

[pdbrains]

Mine did not. On the PT there are so many things are a pain in the ass to work on. Like the timing belt which needs to be done at 100k since it will break if not changed. Good luck with it.

[soonercruiser]

That's odd!
My mechanic says they are easy to work on.
Hmmmmmm.....