does

Status
Not open for further replies.

1986montecarlols

Master Mechanic
Apr 4, 2008
382
0
0
advanced auto have a amp meter - reader that they can hook up to the cars battery to see how many amps it is drawing?? if so I need to go there to see if it is in fact a draw on the system killing the battery or whether or not it still the alternator.
 
I think they do, but I'd call them to be sure.

Also, if you do get a new alternator, have it tested before you leave the store. I had Advance go through 3 "rebuilt" alternators once before they found me one that worked. That was after returning two previous alternators that never worked. I would also consider Autozone for this. They keep a national database, and you never need a receipt for a return. There again though, I went through 3 water pumps in as many months on the truck last year from them. Sure it's a lifetime warranty, but it is a PITA when it all goes wrong. I still like the security of that lifetime free replacement though on stuff like starters and alternators since if it goes when you are broke it is free to fix it.
 
The bad thing is the "lifetime warranty" only pertains to the first one you buy. The second one will only have a 90 day warranty on it.

The good thing is that if you have a decent relationship with the store they will replace it more than once.

As far as the amp meter the only thing they got to test amps with is the rollout machine they used to test things on the car. It only shows amps when doing an alternator or starter test.

Chances are if you ask them if they can test for a amp draw when the cars off, they will tell you to un hook your neg cable and put a test light between the neg post and cable. If it lights up you have a draw.
 
well

just got out of work more bad news. My dad took the alternator in to a specialist and the ******** broke the housing somehow costing me 45 bucks. I guess the bearing was really whamped out though. SO I pretty much have a new alternator now. The battery checked out fine too. Im prolly gonna install the alternator again tomarrow. I might do the amp test thing ya told me about to see if anything is drawing too before I start replacing wires everywhere.
 
if you're anywhere in the boston area, come see me at advance in quincy, i'll hook you up. i'm one of the managers over there.
 
pontiacman469 said:
Why amps &not voltage draw?

Volts do not do any work, amps do. Think of volts as the size of a pipe, and amps as the force of the water inside. Remember that your ignition coil puts out probably 40,000 volts, but very few amps.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor