Alternator issues and porsche's warranty process
09-16-2009, 04:16 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Alternator issues and porsche's warranty process
Hi all.
My less than 2 year old alternator (reman from Porsche - sunset) is failing - I think. Basically, drive the car and getting 13V. Turn headlights on and voltage swings from 11-13V.
I checked the alternator and it spins freely without the belt. The alt belt was a little frayed. I have pulley update. I was a little suprised that the belt is fraying after 5k miles and 2 years. The fan belt looks good.
Any ideas? Last time the alternator was putting out inconsistent voltage, the regulator was gone.
Sunset told me today that it will probably take 2 months to get a replacement from porsche!! They told me that it would be prudent to buy another ($600 versus $300 2 years ago) and they will credit me once porsche determines that the alt is bad.
I think it may be good advice to pull the alternator and have an electrical guy bench test it. I dont want to buy another alternator without knowing for sure that the one I have is gone. Bench testing is ~$20...
BTW, I wonder if the frayed alternator belt is a clue or coincidence....
My less than 2 year old alternator (reman from Porsche - sunset) is failing - I think. Basically, drive the car and getting 13V. Turn headlights on and voltage swings from 11-13V.
I checked the alternator and it spins freely without the belt. The alt belt was a little frayed. I have pulley update. I was a little suprised that the belt is fraying after 5k miles and 2 years. The fan belt looks good.
Any ideas? Last time the alternator was putting out inconsistent voltage, the regulator was gone.
Sunset told me today that it will probably take 2 months to get a replacement from porsche!! They told me that it would be prudent to buy another ($600 versus $300 2 years ago) and they will credit me once porsche determines that the alt is bad.
I think it may be good advice to pull the alternator and have an electrical guy bench test it. I dont want to buy another alternator without knowing for sure that the one I have is gone. Bench testing is ~$20...
BTW, I wonder if the frayed alternator belt is a clue or coincidence....
09-16-2009, 05:23 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
I'd try a new belt and double check belt tension. If that doesn't do it, then have it bench tested. If it's just the voltage regulator pack it's an easy fix and relatively cheap. Sucks that it only lasted 2 years.
09-16-2009, 06:01 PM
#3
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Thats what Im going to do Dennis. Picked up a new belt. I figure its easy to change the belt and verifying that the problem still exists before spending all the labor breaking everything down to pull the alternator...
Ive replaced VRs on my old alternator before. Agree that its easy, but I want to take advantage of the warrany. (Esp. since porsche is charging $600 for those things now!!)
Ive replaced VRs on my old alternator before. Agree that its easy, but I want to take advantage of the warrany. (Esp. since porsche is charging $600 for those things now!!)
09-16-2009, 10:58 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I replaced the alt belt and took for a spin. The escort 8500 voltage readout is reporting 11 to >16V at higher RPMs. I thinking its definitely the regulator. There is no way the system could have that high of voltage unless its a failing VR. Guess I cant drive the car since >16V can be hazardous!!!
