Alternator issue?

3xBlackCobra

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So withing the last couple months my car has lost power while driving twice. The engine dies and I lose all power steering (which nearly caused me to run straight into a curb).

Obviously, I'm assuming the alternator is getting finicky. Was wondering if this is a common issue, since I've heard alternators can be trouble on our cars.

Also, what alternators do you guys recommend after failure?
 

jrichber

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Have you checked your battery connection? My old mustang had similar issues and turned out being the negative terminal was making a bad connection.
 

Huachipato

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I could be the alternator or a bad battery. The only way I could suggest to point to the culprit is to check your voltage while the engine is running. It should ideally be pushing out 14V or around that mark (especially on a cold engine). If less than 12V for - then I'd be saying the alternator is bad.
 

nxhappy

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first test the battery, if that checks out, test the alternator.
 

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