zeitgeist57 Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 Buddy gave me his 2002 VW Eurovan Westfalia to swap out the alternator and P/S pump that are making gawdawful noises when running. I got a new alternator from RockAuto - Remy 12117 - and swapped out alternators. The VW/Audi one was 120amp, and so was this one. When I start up the van, the "battery" light in the instrument panel goes on and from the lights it doesn't seem to be charging. Not having a working multimeter, I couldn't check the battery for voltage to confirm the alternator. SOOooo...I swapped in the old VW/Audi alternator: dash light goes away, bright DRL's and interior lights. looks like it's charging. - Does NAPA test alternators and starter motors? I'm sorry, but even after dropping off oil at Advance Auto on Bethel yesterday (not even buying anything), I am really just trying to avoid discount autoparts stores as much as possible from now on. - Any thoughts as to why the new alternator isn't triggering/exciting like the old, worn out factory alternator? If the "new" alternator is the culprit, I'll tell my bud to return the RockAuto one and get another... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bastard Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 I know the regular chain stores (such as advance) still test them. Is the rectifier removable (had an old ford truck that I swapped the regulator on and it worked), if it is, swap them and see if it works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted August 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 I see three Phillips head screws in the back that look to hold the rectifier to the back of the alternator. If the new alternator is bad, I'll do some more research into swapping rectifiers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geeto67 Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 Why didn't you borrow my multimeter? It's one of the few tools I actually have here and use all the time. Couple of things: 1) the eurovan has a 120 amp alternator and an optional 150 amp alternator. Are you sure this one had a 120amp alternator? Because if it had the optional 150 amp and you replaced it with a 120 it might throw an error code or a battery idiot light. 2) Are the connectors exactly the same or just "similar"? Sometimes similar connectors have different tolerances and the new alternator might have a looser fit which is causing some intermittent interruption in the current. 3) did you try a battery disconnect and reset of the computer after replacing the alternator? 4) are the pulleys the exact same size? different size pulleys may cause the new alternator to spin slower or faster than required, either causing an overcharging or under charging situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grudes Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 Check your grounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geeesammy Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 Remans are faulty 30% of the time in my experience. I would look there assuming the alternators are the same as far as connectors, pulley, amps, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyM3rC Posted August 29, 2016 Report Share Posted August 29, 2016 Remans are faulty 30% of the time in my experience. I would look there assuming the alternators are the same as far as connectors, pulley, amps, etc. +1. total absolute shit, if you HAVE to have it working get a new one. If you don't mind fucking around, doing the job 3x and saving some money- reman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99StockGT Posted August 30, 2016 Report Share Posted August 30, 2016 Any Advance/AutoZone/Napa/O'really should have a bench tester for Starters and Alternators, only possible snag could be do they have the pigtail that plugs into your socket type. Not all shops have all connectors, and many have disappeared or been broken over the years. Have you bought a multi-meter yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted August 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2016 This is (supposedly) totally new alternator. I did notice the back of the rectifier has a crack in the plastic housing and a little rectangular cap covering a couple of small terminals is exposed...wondering if this was damaged in shipping, or my buddy dropped it. No multimeter yet. Will check it out with an auto parts store tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cstmg8 Posted August 30, 2016 Report Share Posted August 30, 2016 Get a multimeter, lol Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted September 4, 2016 Report Share Posted September 4, 2016 Not uncommon at all to have faulty part out of the box, best to verify obviously. If it turns out to be a faulty part, best to stick with a Bosch on that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted September 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2016 Yup. NAPA confirmed it was bad out the box. Bosch rectifier. I noticed a crack in the rectifier so maybe was damaged in shipping. Owner is going to return it for a refund. We'll do the alternator again (P/S pump is the one making all the racket) when it finally gives up the ghost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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