Well, we just found out that the shop isn't going to be open until Tuesday. My dad said that basically all the wiring is shot. The battery is fried also. We had noticed about a month ago that the headlights would fade every now and then, so I guess that this was an early warning sign. Anyone else had this problem ever?

 

Dude that sounds exactly like the alternator. Eventually they will fail for all of us. The Brushes burn grooves into the stator (I opened mine up and took it apart, but its still running) the brushes are in fine shape its just that the stator is made out of too soft of a metal and cannot handle the current!

 

So you think that it's just the alternator? I was hoping that it wouldn't be major cuz if it is, I think that I just might get another car now cuz I don't wanna put alot more into it.

 

how would the wiring be shot because your lights dimmed?

if it's tunning, I would take the thing to a parts store and have them put an alternator tester on it.. They'll also check your battery condition at the same time.. they can tell you which parts need replaced..

and the best part? it's FREE and takes about 5 minutes.


Now if the car's not running, you've got another problem, but if it's already at a shop, the mechanic should be smart enough to check those things first.

 

Well, the shop doesn't open up until Tuesday so I'll find out then. My dad was drivign the car and he said that he smelled something burning up and so he stopped. I think he tried to start it again and it wouldn't but maybe thats because the battery was fried.

 

Hey klown, thats silly to wanna get ride of your max just cuz the alt died or whatever it is. I've seen members post that they go for around $120 or so (maybe less). Shop around to see which brand gives a better warranty (some I think are lifetime).

I'm guessing that internally the alt shorted out (maybe the wiring maybe a diode) then she just went nova on ya ****.

 

eric, I'm buying a 4th gen after basketball season is over. I want to wait until I have a job so that I don't have to dip into my savings too much. Why? Because my savings is my mod money for my 4th gen. If its too much for a repair, then I'm just gonna go ahead and get one as soon as I find a good 95-99. Hopefully it is the alternator. I'm just thinking worst case scenario with it being an expensive repair.