Alternator Died today

[deserth3]

Driving home from work today. Dash started going crazy. Speedometer, tack, fuel and temp gage all went to zero. Service stabiltrac came on. briefly had the security lockout light come on. All while doing 70 MPH.
Finally the battery light came on. Never did see the check engine light. But with all the lights flashing it would have been easy to miss. With 10 miles to go I turned off everything I could to preserve the battery. And stepped a little harder on the skinny peddle. When I reduced power the speedometer came back. And Add to dictionary would go on and off. But I made it home.
I have over 185k on this alternator so I can't complain. And the truck made it home. I kept waiting for it to go into reduced power mode. These trucks turn into drama queens when the battery or alternator die.
Interesting thing is I did notice a faint burnt electrical smell when I got in the truck to go to work.

Any recommendations for replacement alternator? Or should I get this one rebuilt. I do occasionally tow a trailer. And would mind a higher output.

 

[Jack_M]

185K Damn! you got your monies worth out of that one! I personally go with stock replacement or Auto zone Duralast gold only because of the lifetime warranty.

 

[JPaul]

Just what exactly are you driving? A library? :giggle:

And Add to dictionary would go on and off.

 

[deserth3]

Just what exactly are you driving? A library? :giggle:

Lol... Just my H3. Autocorrect is fun.

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[alrock]

I think you should junk that H3 and give me the replacement engine that you have. That would be the smartest thing.

I think I'd trust a local overhaul vs. a chain-store brand replacement. I've not had good luck with those types of components. I think my O'Reilly steering pump lasted 10 days. Sure, lifetime warranty but that's a lot of work swapping them in. I got my money back on that one.

 

[derian06]

I use the powerbastards 250amp and it works like a charm if you're looking for an upgrade over stock

 

[RamRod]

I use the powerbastards 250amp and it works like a charm if you're looking for an upgrade over stock

I wish I knew about that option when I replaced my alt. a month ago!

 

[Can007]

If I'm not mistaken the alternators from the Avalanche are the same but with more amps. I've seen people here perform that upgrade

 

[deserth3]

Thanks for the info. Looks like they 06 is different than 07 and up. Think I'll just go with a new acdelco.
Alrock, no you can't have my motor... It isn't even broke in yet.

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[RamRod]

If I'm not mistaken the alternators from the Avalanche are the same but with more amps. I've seen people here perform that upgrade

This is true if you have an Alpha - this is what I did a few weeks ago

 

[650Hawk]

This is true if you have an Alpha - this is what I did a few weeks ago

Good info to know/stow away for later!

 

[deserth3]

Old alternator is out. New alternator arrives tomorrow. Good thing I removed the fuse/cb board. The last mechanic to remove it didn't put it back together properly.

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[Panzer07]

How hard was it to remove the alternator I went to get mine diagnose at oreally since they do it for free, and the guy told me the alternator wasn't putting out enough power to charge the battery, so I got to do that now, I'm planing on replacing my serpentine belt as well, and perhaps water pump, and tensioner since I'm gonna be working in this general area, what else should I look to possibly replace while I'm working in this area...appreciate it

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[Happy Hummer]

Wow! 185k that alternator must of had it's weaties.... That's real awesome life cycle.

 

[derian06]

power bastards HO alt probably worth it since you have to replace it anyways @panzer

 

[deserth3]

Someone did a nice thread on how to replace the alternator. But I can't find out.
In short
Remove battery and tray.
Remove fuse\relay box and tray
Remove engine hoist bracket
You'll have to slightly bend fuel line. I lift mine there.
Just barely enough room to get alternator out the top.
Of you need help with fuse\relay box. Look up instructions for installing roof market lights in tech library. There's a pdf on how to do it.

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[Panzer07]

Someone did a nice thread on how to replace the alternator. But I can't find out.
In short
Remove battery and tray.
Remove fuse\relay box and tray
Remove engine hoist bracket
You'll have to slightly bend fuel line. I lift mine there.
Just barely enough room to get alternator out the top.
Of you need help with fuse\relay box. Look up instructions for installing roof market lights in tech library. There's a pdf on how to do it.

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Thanks man I'll do that I been looking for a write up but so far haven't find it either.

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[derian06]

Thanks man I'll do that I been looking for a write up but so far haven't find it either.

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Whenever a friend and I replaced mine, we just loosened the belt and pulled it off I believe... Never took out the battery tray or fuse box.

 

[bigwilliedw01]

Whenever a friend and I replaced mine, we just loosened the belt and pulled it off I believe... Never took out the battery tray or fuse box.

Ditto.

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[atvspeed4]

It is totally different for the I5 vs the v8. We tried every shortcut possible but had to pull the fusebox to replace the alternator in our 2006 I5

 

[Bruces]

I took mine off yesterday(i5) installed 240 amp, then took it off and installed original. (Wrong connector. Ughhhhhh). Only removed battery box, top lid of fuse box, belt, eng lift bracket and fuel line. Moved wire harness out of way and gently bent metal fuel line up about half inch. Very tight and scratches on arms like I was fighting a cat but it will come out right at fuse block area without removing fuse block.

 

[Panzer07]

Thanks for all the input guys I hope I can give it a go this weekend or so...im gonna be replacing some other things while at it since I'm sure everything there is oem with 107k miles and 10 years...tensioner and water pump is in the list.

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[Sentinel308]

Hey guys, I'm trying to replace my alternator (07' I5). Removed battery and battery box, engine lift bracket, and top of fuse box. Removed belt and two top bolts from alternator, but it still feels like there's another bolt somewhere. Is this correct, and if so, where is it?

 

[Bruces]

Yep. Two bolts up top and one bottom. Reach in between fender and back of alternator you will feel it. When reinstalling start the top ones then the bottom is easier to find and start.