BAD DIODE PATTERN (Full Version)

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BAD DIODE PATTERN

  

RMARK -> BAD DIODE PATTERN (7/20/2006 2:04:42 PM)

I was at Walmart a few day ago and decided to see if my 2002 Elantra needed to get a new battery (normal maintenance). They said that the battery was ok but that I should go to Auto Zone to have my alternator checked. I went to Auto Zone and they said that my battery was ok but that my alternator had a problem, "bad diode pattern". Red McCombs Superior, the dealer that I bought my car from, said that the alternator was ok but that I needed a new battery because of a bad cell. They wanted $49 for checking out the alternator which is part of my 5 year/60,000 mile warranty and wanted $160 for a new battery. I balked at this and had a new Interstate battery put in at Sam's for $73. However, I'm still concerned about my alternator. I have 41,000 miles on my car and have never had any starting or electrical problems. Does anyone know anything about this "bad diode pattern" business? Thanks. Bob

  
RMARK -> RE: BAD DIODE PATTERN (10/2/2007 9:53:37 AM)

This is a f/u to my alternator problem. My new battery went bad on 10/1/07 and was replaced free of charge by Sam's. I then went to Auto Zone to have my charging system checked. They said that I had a bad diode pattern and that the alternator was putting out 9 amps when it should be putting out 15 or more. They say that I need a new alternator. Does this sound right. Also, if the battery went bad after a little over a year, doesn't this mean that the alternator was bad all along? Unfortunately, my 5 year warranty expired in 11/06. Is there any avenue to have the dealer replace the alternator under the warranty as it appears that they mis-diagnosed the problem when it was brought to their attention? Thanks for advice or assistance. 

Doohickie -> RE: BAD DIODE PATTERN (10/3/2007 9:37:28 AM)

The story you tell sounds just like what happened on my old Ford Tempo.  Replaced the battery; a short time later it went bad again.  Got a new one which went bad again... this time much sooner.  I had the alternator checked and the parts store said bad diodes.  I replaced the alternator and never had a problem with either the battery or alternator after that.

If you have receipts or any other documentation to back up your story, I would say it would be worth it to write a letter to Hyundai customer service.  You are out of warranty and they may take the stand that they legally don't owe you anything, but you may be able to get them to pay for a new alternator because the dealer should have properly diagnosed the and fixed the problem the first time when the car WAS under warranty.

At this point, though, I would think you're going to have to pay for the alternator up front and hope they will reimburse you for it.

Joshewuhh -> RE: BAD DIODE PATTERN (10/5/2007 12:24:39 PM)

An easy way to check your alternator and know for sure is to get a voltmeter.
With the car running, connect the probes to both battery terminals (+ to + & - to -) and see how many Ohms the alternator is producing.
Anything under 12ohms then you need to replace the alternator.
Just something simple you can do yourself once a month or so.

RMARK -> RE: BAD DIODE PATTERN (11/17/2007 5:15:24 PM)

I got in touch with Hyundai Customer Service in California and they directed me to the service manager at Red McCombs Superior Hyundai, the dealership where I purchased my car. The manager was very nice and thought that the problem might be a too small pully wheel that was not generating enough juice. They did a parasitic check, determined that there was a drain on the system, and asked me to bring the car back for more thorough testing. When I did that, they did further testing and said that the drain on the system was greater than before but still within Hyundai specifications. They washed and cleaned my car and gave it back to me at no charge. However, I still have a car that Auto Zone indicates needs a new alternator because of a bad diode pattern and an output of only 9 amps. The proof of the pudding will be if the battery goes again within the next year or less. In the mean time, although I really like my 2002 Hyundai Elantra GT and it rides well, I don't have too much confidence in it and would be concerned about taking it on my usual long late night road trips. It is also approaching 60,000 miles and now I also don't feel good about investing in the routine work that will be needed (new belts, new breaks, transmission service, etc.). I recently read somewhere that Hyundai was being recognized for producing a superior car but that it wasn't being being recommended because of its lagging service network. With my recent experiences in mind I hope that the Red McCombs Service Department knows what it is doing. I would hate to get stuck in West Texas in the middle of the night.

RMARK -> RE: BAD DIODE PATTERN (12/1/2007 5:30:41 AM)

I asked Hyundai Customer Service to intercede with Red McCombs Superior and they were told that there was no problem with my vehicle - famous last words. This put me in a bad position as my wife is reluctant to drive a vehicle that might break down. I have to admit that my confidence in Hyundai and Red McCombs was diminished. After all, what good is a generous warranty if you can't get the service that you need. Therefore, although we were thinking of buying a new Sonata, we ditched this idea and bought a new Pontiac Vibe instead. By the way, although Red McCombs Superior is close to my home and sells Pontiacs, I thought it best not to reward them with my ongoing business. I will be driving the 2002 Elantra GT myself as I am better equipped than my wife to handle any breakdown problems that develop. In the mean time, I plan to do the necessary maintenance on the vehicle but will search out a new service provider. I guess the bottom line, however, is to be cautious about generous Hyundai warranty coverage and to be prepared for frustration when trying to get satisfaction.

  

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