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1997 Mitsubishi Galant Electrical Problem?


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jcw1121
New User

May 6, 2010, 10:22 PM

Post #1 of 2 (3640 views)
1997 Mitsubishi Galant Electrical Problem? Sign In

1997 Mitsubishi Galant Don't know the engine type, 4 cylinder, 148,000 miles.

About four months ago I put a sparkling new alternator in my car. When driving on a highway a week ago, my Battery light and Brake light came on, when the old alt died they both would come on periodically, so they both seem to come on simultaneously whether there's a brake issue or not. As I was driving, I set cruise control and within a minute after they RPM dial bounced, the died, as did my speedometer, so I disengaged the cruise. About 30 seconds after that, my car stop responding to the gas being pushed. I pulled to the side of the road and white smoke came out of my hood, and the car was dead to the world, no attempt from the engine to start at the turn of the key. I checked my alternator and a plastic piece, a round t shaped piece was sticking out of the alternator against the belt. I was able to push it back in by hand. I checked my dip stick and the oil was below the fill line, but still showing up on the dip stick. I put two quarts of oil in and got a jump and drove it the 15 miles back home, and it ran fine, no smoke, no electrical issues. But now, when I drive it, at start up, my battery and brake lights come on until I get up to 20 mph, and after a minute, they stop coming on until I reach 45 mph. The car doesn't seem to be hurting for power, although I did notice tonight that the lights will dim when it switches gears and there is a squeeking noise added to the mess of other noises my car had already made. I've also disconnected one of the cables after starting the car and it didn't ran fine without even a hicup when I disconnected it.

Any help on determining this problem would be greatly appreciated. My theory is that the plastic piece rubbed against the alternator belt making it stop running and that the smoke was from the friction, but I doubt that is what it is.

Thanks!

(This post was edited by jcw1121 on May 7, 2010, 5:10 AM)


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

May 7, 2010, 9:02 AM

Post #2 of 2 (3631 views)
Re: 1997 Mitsubishi Galant Electrical Problem? Sign In

what shape is the belt in and how good is the tension on it?






 
 
 






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