I have a 91 Integra GS. My alternator went out, so I replaced it (w/ a used one). Now, my charging light goes on while at an idle, but goes off if I give it a little gas, and while im driving. Sometimes, it stays off while at an idle, but usually it lights yup. Could it be an incorrectly tensioned drivebelt? It must be charging while im driving, or my car would have died by now, right?

 

AAAAGH! Well I guess its not charging, as my car is dead. When I first threw the alternator in, Kragen tested it and it was not charging. I noticed the drivebelt was overtensioned, and not moving. I loosened it, belt started moving, and we retested the alternator. IT WAS CHARGING! Then the light started coming on at an idle and the rest is history. Could it still be an incorrectly tensioned belt, the belt definitly turns? Also, I had some trouble reattaching the wiring harness to the back of the alternator, it didnt make a solid "click". Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated! I can fix whats broken, but can't diagnose AT ALL! Thank you!!!

 

Well, I detached the alternator from the mounting/pivot bolts (again). When I took off the wiring before it was firmly "clicked" into place. I cant get it to "click" back in properly (there is a small locking tab). Do you think that this could be causing my problem, because the alternator IS good. Did anyone else have problems reattaching the wiring plug (not the ground, that bolts on easily)?

 

Is it the correct used alternator? Did you actually pull it? Maybe the plug isn't the same?

 

I didn't actually pull it myself, but I was able to compare the two side by side. The plugs looked the same. I can plug the wires into the new alternator, it just doesn't lock in. It is very frustrating. I was thinking about using a "c clamp" like for woodworking and forcing it, but I don't know if that is the best way. Im trying to get a mechanic friend to look at it.

 

Problem solved... I traded it in for a different used one. Now it works