So with the nice weather I decided today I could be outside to work on my MR2. Basically the alternator was making noises before unless there was hardly any load, then the noises stopped, then led to the car just dying.

Today's visual inspection showed the pivot bolt was missing. I put a quick fix in, replaced the belt, and adjusted the alternator's position. Try and jump the car...it runs but with a battery light (and the turbo timer showing the battery at <12v). Replace the battery....battery lamp on at start-up, goes away if I rev the engine to >2.5K RPMs, turbo timer flashing battery voltage @ 11.7v.

Searching found me a suitable replacement for the pivot bolt. So I get it, start racing the setting sun to install it and re-tension the belt...my hand hits the alternator wire and SNAP! sparks fly by the alternator wire connection. DAMMIT!

I didn't have a flashlight and it was dusk at this point so I couldn't see the condition of the wire. Seems like it's grounding out on the alternator casing. I thought I saw frays of wire so it looks like I found my charging issue.

Hopefully I have enough slack to cut and crimp a new fisheye connector onto the 10mm bolt.


/end rant

 

Sounds like worn out brushes

 

Did you miss the part about the main alt. wire being exposed and shorting?

 

step 1: disconnect battery


just sayin

 

No shit. But unless I was removing the alternator, I would never have caught this shorting wire unless there was power.

 

whoops!

 

Just make sure you engage the parking brake before you start working on it.

























I had to...I never did before. h:

 

Sounds like you LT'ed.

 

 

It's raining. Maybe I should go play with that live wire now...