1999 Kia Sephia – Repeated Alternator Failure

Reader Question: Hi,

I have a 1999 Kia Sephia and it has gone thru 5 in 2 months or so. New one only lasts for about 1-day max. Kia dealer could not find any shorts or problems and gave up because did not want to put the time in or they would at $80 per hour.

Do you have any Ideas?

Thanks,

Carl

Hey Carl,

Ouch!

I would replace the battery first just as a precaution. I have seen car batteries with a bad internal cell damage alternator. Usually not that quickly but nonetheless I would replace it.

Sometimes in my shop, we will make up our own battery cables and run these cables directly from the battery to the back of the alternator. This makes a simple and direct connection to the battery and eliminates the possibility of a wiring issue somewhere deep in the wiring harness.

If the dealer does not do this for you, look in your phone book for an auto electric company who rebuilds starters and alternators and ask them to do it for you.

Blessings,
Austin Davis