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Lssave · Jan 30, 2006, 01:08 PM

Have had problems with keeping a charge on the car. Have been going through alternators and batteries. Last alternator lasted just over 1 year. I drive it and then the lights start to dim and the dials bottom out to zero and then the car dies. Most of the time it won't start again. I have to recharge the battery but it doesn't always work. I also had to take out a fuse for the interior lights to keep it running. (Weird, I know) I just got a new alternator and it blew within 3 minutes. The battery then lost a charge too. Help!!

stinkypete · Feb 11, 2006, 12:51 AM

Check your regulator/rectifier. It converts the alternating current generated by your alternator into direct current (rectification) and then regulates it down to a safe voltage level to run your car and charge the battery. If it goes bad, it would allow too much voltage in (burning fuses and causing premature battery failure). It's usually got a giant heatsink on it and is mounted far from other electronics (like in the back).

Lssave · Feb 11, 2006, 07:59 AM

Thanks for your post. We'll try and look for the rectifier and get it checked out.