Could a short in the wiper motor cause my alternator to die?

Asked by Jules Nov 22, 2013 at 08:57 PM about the 1999 Hyundai Accent L 2-Door Hatchback FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought a brand new alternator two months
ago, the battery now wont hold a charge,
and the alternator doesn't work. The wipers
haven't worked for a few months, previously
they wouldn't turn off unless the engine
was off. Presently, they do not turn on at all,
except for at random intervals. Then they
start moving very slow. I'm thinking its
probably the wiper motor and the
distributor. Opinions please?

4 Answers

Jules answered 10 years ago

Re: Tennisshoes: I pulled the wiper motor out of the car and kept it connected electrically and it worked fine. So it has to be something in the arm that connects the wipers? I charged up the battery and tested it and the reading came out at 12.6. I know it should be around 14.0. But if the battery can be charged then I can't see it being the battery. Is it possible that I could simply have gotten a faulty alternator, even though I bought it new? Thats what I'm leaning towards, although I can't see it being just the alternator causing problems.

Mark helpful

Jules answered 10 years ago

Yes, I borrowed my neighbours multimeter, that was the 12.6 reading, went for a small drive and tested it again and it said 12.1. With the car idling both times.

Mark helpful

Jules answered 10 years ago

Yah that's what I was thinking, thanks. Now just to find out what's up with the wipers.

Mark helpful

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