chrislacey

This forum is great! Thanks in advance for any help you can provide me.

I just got a 1997 3.0 CL Premium (a hand-me-down - no complaints here). I've drove the car for about a week and didn't notice any problems.

About two days ago I started to hear a groaning noise from under the hood. It almost sounds like a belt whining or something like that. I'm not very smart when it comes to this... but don't want to get ripped off taking the car to a dealership. (I'm a college student with limited funds). The noise is definitely more noticable when inside the car when the car isn't moving. (No road noise). Its hardly noticable when the car is idling with the hood down from the outside of the vehicle.

Today (two days after first hearing the noise) I was driving on the highway (about ~70 mph) and suddenly the speedometer and tachometer dropped to 0, the radio turned off, and the ABS light came on. I drive with my lights on during the day - and when I turned them off... everything came back on. I'm not sure if that was by chance or for a reason.

I'm thinking that it might just be a belt that needs to be replaced. If you have any ideas - please let me know... I have a feeling I'll be taking it to the dealership tomorrow afternoon to have something done.

Thanks!
Chris

Cocoa

iTrader: (2)

well, depends, that noise could be a lose belt as you mentioned, or it can be the alternator making that noise. How many miles does your car have is my first question. Remember, if itz at 100,000 miles or more, you Need to get your belts replaced, and as for the water pump, i guess it really depends it theres sign of wear or not, but I still have my orginal one on, itz at 120,000. But i did replace everything else that i needed.

chrislacey

Its got 82,000 miles.... no belts have ever been replaced (as far as i know).

Someone told me they experienced a similar problem (different vehicle) when they needed a new serpentine (sp?) belt. I imagine that could get pricey.

...more suggestions/thoughts?? please??...

Thanks Again!
Chris

wilp99

try the belt first. (cause its cheaper), then try the alternator. i personally think its the alternator.

chrislacey

So I decided to go out tonight. The car was still whining on the way there - but no loss of power. Sure enough - 2 minutes from the restaurant...the thing went "dead" (no tach., speedometer, ABS light, etc.). It still drove fine - albeit seemed a bit sluggish.

Came out of the restaurant and it didn't turn over. It didn't even sound like it was trying. It just kept clicking twice. Tried to jump it & nothing. Had it towed to the dealer.

Any idea what they're gonna say? Please let it not be too expensive!

Thanks All,
Chris

dustbuster4

I bet 'ya it's the alternator!

baka_t

What mileage are you at? I'd also check your battery before making any final decision. A bad battery will make your car run screwy.

Cocoa

iTrader: (2)

That was your first expensive mistake, lol...you had it taken to the dealer........Now it will come out pricey...

chrislacey

The dealer is going to look at it and diagnose it for me no charge. This doesn't mean I have to get the work done there...I'm just not knowledgable enough in this area to figure out what's wrong.

Hopefully it'll be something that I can fix really easily - battery or something.

Thanks for all of the responses,
Chris

Chinisimo

i would say it's 95% your alternator. if you know have just a lil skill as being a grease monkey, you should be able to change it yourself. pretty easy. just get some tools and go under the hood and the car, take out the nuts and bolts that are holding the alternator, remember how you take everything out. put in new one, reverse your steps to put it back in. then you're done. actually, while you're at it, look at the belt to see if it's stripping or see any cracks on it. you might as well change it at the same time.don't forget to tighten up the belt.

i got one from pepboys for like $150 w/ lifetime warranty.

chrislacey

Thanks for the comments. I downloaded a copy of the repair manual and will head out to AutoZone (or similar) later today.

I'll let you all know how I make out. Thanks again for all the help!

-Chris

rebeltruce

Without a doubt it's the alternator!

Ted

Yeah, I"m almost sure it's the alternator. If so, look to upgrade it instead of replacing it with the oem.