Multiple Issues? ABS/DSC/Brake light and Dead Battery/Battery light

[mfiver]

Originally Posted by jizay

I pulled the alternator and had it tested. It wouldnt even run the full test at the store, it would just shut their machine down. I noticed that everytime the voltage got above 16.1 Volts the A/C would shut down.

So I bought a new one and installed it. It was the voltage regulator on the alternator. The new one maintains 13.5 ~14.5 volts and no more issues (yet). I havent driven too far yet though. When I started working on the alternator I found the rubber power steering hose had a leak and looked to be in bad shape. I did drive the car about a mile after the new alternator install and no dash lights and good voltage. I just finished the power steering hose tonight, so I'll drive it to work tomorrow and see what happens.

Almost forgot, no more dead battery either. I guess the voltage regulator had a short that was draining the battery even while the car was off.

Hopefully no more issues. Thanks for everyone's input. By the way, if you need an alternator buy it from Advanced Auto Parts (the old Discount Auto) for $250 (w/lifetime warranty) instead of the $800+ part the dealer offers.

Overvoltage condition = very bad news for modern electrical systems!!!

[NOVAX5]

Dealer wants $700 for the rebuilt alternator and $500 on labor. I called it B.S. I walked away without even explaining why I am not having it replaced at the dealer. Same one at auto store is $240 and labor is $160 (2 hours) at local shop. So basically, dealer asked me if i have some money laying around the house that i could donate to help the renovation of their shiny show room. I went to Fairfax they asked $1200 (without the belts) , went to Sterling it was $800 (without the belts), went to local shop $400 including replacing A/C and the alternator belts.