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I've read almost all the threads with the word "alternator" and "dead battery" in this BB. I believe my alternator died, and have some questions:
Background:
2002 Saab 9-3SE 190K miles. Driven mostly highway, in Michigan/Ontario.
Over the last few weeks, my engine had been starting a little slow (starter sounds tired). However, since I travel (fly) so much, and with the recent dropping temperatures, I thought it was just my driving habit and I'd keep an eye on it. Yesterday, my car started slower than usual, but drove normally. After 5 minutes of driving, the red triangle+exclamation light and battery light came on, and a chime went off. The car drove normally, and so I decided to keep going. After running errands, I decided to drop by Walmart to have the battery checked out, since I brought it from there. As I got closer to the store, all of my dash warning lights came on. Soon after, my stereo and ACC turned off. As I pull up to the parking lot, my car felt powerless. Luckily, my car died right outside the garage door. The guys at Walmart pushed me in the service area. They checked and found the battery to measure ~9V and very little cranking power. The battery (The cheapest one I can find back in Christmas 2008 manufactured Nov2008, since I figured I would have brought a new car by now...) was 2 years and 2 months old. Also, they told me it was not holding a charge. So I replaced it with a MAXX-47 size battery (~$80 free installation, 3 year replacement warranty). The car started up and drove, but the battery light remained on. This morning, after hours of studying this BB, I measured my battery to be 12.5V cold, and 11.5 with engine running. I concluded that the alternator is dead. I also noticed a metallic noise from the alternator area. (I have to believe it is not my usual bad luck with this car and ONLY the alternator is bad this time.....).
My questions:
I need a new alternator. I can get a remanufactured Bosch on Ebay for $145, or a used (pulled from a wreck) for ~$50, or NAPA for ~$150. I'm leaning toward a used one from Ebay for $50 since I don't plan on keeping this car for more than 1.5 year. (~20K miles at most). Also, My dad is a mechanic and essentially, this would be a DIY... Any opinions?
My mechanic (dad) is in Toronto, 240 miles away. Assuming I can charge this new battery full at Walmart, and carry one of those emergency jump chargers, can I make it? It won't be pleasant, but I will turn off all the lights, ACC, and Stereo. How much damage will I (potential) cause by attempting this?
Any recommendation for a good Saab mechanic in the south east Michigan area?
posted by 76.230.141...
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