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angeldovewings

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Aug 5, 2015
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I have a 2001 dodge van 2001 1500 3.9. It has 67,000 mi. I had a mechanic put all new hoses filters change tran tune up change oil
put new serpentine belt with tension er. He said it would be ready as soon as belt was on. Now he says the alternator locked up.

Could he have done something wrong or is this normal??/

i am a lady senior HELP PLEASE
 

cabri

Diamond Member
Nov 3, 2012
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Not normal.

The alternator converts mechanical power to electrical.
The belt rides over a pulley that causes rotation of the winding (wires) inside the alternator.

If it worked before he touched the belt; then the mechanic did something.
I have never heard of an alternator seizing up; let alone in a shop when the belt is being replaced.
 

Zivic

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Nov 25, 2002
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Not normal.

The alternator converts mechanical power to electrical.
The belt rides over a pulley that causes rotation of the winding (wires) inside the alternator.

If it worked before he touched the belt; then the mechanic did something.
I have never heard of an alternator seizing up; let alone in a shop when the belt is being replaced.

the bearings 'could' lock up....

it could be coincidental, but if you haven't put an alternator in the car, mechanical components will and do fail. given the car is 15 yrs old, it might have just been its time
 

FeuerFrei

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Mar 30, 2005
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I'd think the alternator pulley bearing would give some sort of audible whine for quite a while before locking up. Bearings get noisy.

Ask him to show you how it's "locked." Your van may be 15 years old but it has the mileage of a 5 year-old.
 
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