2.0 Tracker alternator

[Yankee Dog]

I think mine is dying. In my daily 25 mile one way commute, the lights will pulsate bright and dim in a series of about 10 rapid pulsations about every 7 or 8 miles. It's getting to the point where people think I am flashing my brights at them.

I did a little searching and the 2.0 alternator is pricey (at least for my 2000 tracker) from places like autozone. Anybody have a source that is reasonable?

Also, it looks like there is 3 different types for my vehicle or am I misinformed? Thanks, YD

[Max]

SOUNDS like the alternator. Regulator or slip ring section proly

Check all of your major wiring connections first (Alt, bat & grounds).

Slim chance, but check belt tightness too. And get a local (free) on or off vehicle alternator performance check from Autozone or?.

I'm seeing $115 (and up) rebuilt alternators out there YD!

2000 CHEVROLET TRACKER Alternator

The only other thing that would cause those electrical dimming symptoms is SOME intermittent and (really HIGH) load / drain...aftermarket add-on music system amps, capacitors and alike or some other component / circuit about to fry! Thank the world for fuses though.

[Yankee Dog]

Max, as usual, thanks for the reply and the link. As far as checking the wiring, I'm all over that. I gave it a once over just before winter, cleaned and sealed all connections on the cables and such, so I am confident that all is well, and given the miles on this thing (130,000). It deserves a new alternator. I will of course go over all of the wiring again when I replace it.

I just hope I can get by till the replacement arrives, supposed to get about 10 inches of snow over the next couple of days, and I hate driving my 3/4 ton truck in the snow (2WD).

Need to get one ordered soon, just not too sure about switching out the pulley on the one you linked to. I do have a press, but, I seem to have the ability to turn perfectly good parts into perfectly bent parts with that press!

Does anybody know how to tell which alternator is in my tracker? Looking at the manual, it could be a 60, a 70, or a 85 amp alternator. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, YD

[Max]

An option is a local shop specializing in alternator repairs, if you have one close by. They've got the right disassembly tools, parts and testing capabilities. Some often have ready rebuilds for immediate turn around or offer "same day" repairs.

I'd still hit Autozone (or?) for a free test and MAYBE a rebuilt unit off the shelf at not too bad a price, if you need and they have.

Yes, getting the pulleys off can be a PITA, even w/the right tools, especially those stamped steel varieties. They bend pretty easy. Not sure what you've got, but MAYBE a new alt will have what you need already on it.

As far as the "60, a 70, or a 85 amp alternator" question, unless it's marked accordingly, don't know the answer. But if it bolts up, and preferably the highest amp rating, then any of them will proly work fine.

[Yankee Dog]

Thanks Max, looks like a 60 amp in the vehicle now. I printed the page in the manual that shows the three different types and went out and matched it up.

Most of the ones available at the various auto parts places (and rockauto) sem to be of he 70 amp style. So I guess a little bonus.

Might just take a gamble and drive it for the next few days, get past the storm and then pull the alternator, take it to a shop for a rebuild. At least that is the plan for now.

160 at my local autozone, and not in stock. YD

[unimogdave]

As was pointed out about the grounds, there is a ground screw on the inside of the metal inner grill support (The part that the hood latch catch is bolted to. One just to each side of the radiator support brackets down about 6 inches from the top. Especiall the one on the passengers side where the lights ground to. There will be two to three wires held by a 10MM socket head bolt. Take it off and sand the rust to bare metal.

[liv2ryde]

Originally Posted by Yankee Dog

In my daily 25 mile one way commute, the lights will pulsate bright and dim in a series of about 10 rapid pulsations about every 7 or 8 miles. It's getting to the point where people think I am flashing my brights at them.

My 2000 Tracker 2.0L 4wd 2dr auto is doing this same exact thing! All my lights pulse inside and out except my radio face, radio power seems constant, engine rpms remain constant, as well my blower fan speeds up and slows down with this electrical pulse. Its scary driving in the darkness. Did this turn out to be your alternator or a ground?

Thanks!

[rickf]

Check all your grounds. it does not take much to cause the lights to flicker. Check alt out put, battery condition. if all these check out OK then you can add an extra ground wire like I did to my 96 Sidekick Sport to keep the lights from flickering. All I did was go from the battery to a spot on the fender with an extra ground. It took care of my lights flickering but ALL else checked out including battery and alt out put.

[L.Turner]

I just went through an alternator repair this week [Monday] after putting up with pulsating lights for a few weeks. Finally, this past Saturday night, the Discharge Light came on whenever I was moving at less than 35 mph.

I checked local parts stores for replacements. The going price for one over the counter is $180 plus tax and w/exchange in my area.

I have a local repair shop that I've gone to for over 20 years. I took mine to him on Monday morning and it was ready for pick-up right after lunch.

Total cost: $65

[Yankee Dog]

Originally Posted by L.Turner

I just went through an alternator repair this week [Monday] after putting up with pulsating lights for a few weeks. Finally, this past Saturday night, the Discharge Light came on whenever I was moving at less than 35 mph.

I checked local parts stores for replacements. The going price for one over the counter is $180 plus tax and w/exchange in my area.

I have a local repair shop that I've gone to for over 20 years. I took mine to him on Monday morning and it was ready for pick-up right after lunch.

Total cost: $65

Nice! Yes, those are the prices I have found. I am picking up a used alt. from the boneyard this weekend (about $35), and then taking it to the rebuilder/shop. Have been a little delayed as I was in Haiti for the past few weeks. God help those people...YD