I was driving yesterday and I turned the corner and not even seeing it, I hit this huge puddle....it was massive. Anyways, after about driving for another 20mins and then going into Target to pickup some stuff, I come out and my car is dead. Had to get it toed (sp) home. I got it jumped this mourning and took it over to schmucks and they said I have some low voltage which is probably coming from the alternator. The thing is is that the mud guard/cover that goes on the bottom of the car to shield some of the belts, isn't there. It broke off awhile ago so I am thinking that the really big puddle could have shorted out my alternator. The guy said he was either coming from some wiring or the alternator died. I am going to take it probably tomorrow or something, but for now, what do you guys think?

Dead alty dude....

could be either one. there are a few connectors on that side of the engine bay for the alternator, and they could have gotten waterlogged and shorted out.

it's also very possible that you toasted the alternator... if you don't have the test equipment yourself, your bet is to get it to the shop and see what they have to say.

fortunately, alternators for the VG are only about $90. for the VE, they're $190.

If they jump start the car and measure the voltage at the battery and its less than 13.8V then the alt has shorted out. With a bad alternator the voltage will be probably much less than 12V when the engine is running.

When you get a chance go to the junky and get a new trim piece.

If this is an original alternator, don't feel too bad, it was destined to fail

2nd alty and yeah, when they guy tested it, it was around 12 somehwere so he said it was pretty low. Least I have a lifetime warranty on hit

i have lifetime warranty on my start...doesn't make it any more fun to change it...but saving 80 bucks every few years is like a Christmas gift