1997 Oldsmobile Achieva alternator

1997 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA
221,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SCOCHRAN5278
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I replaced my ignition switch and my starter. as I was replacing my starter,I discovered a burned wire on my battery terminal on the back of my alternator. as I tried to replace it, the complete bolt came out of the back of the alternator. I re-inserted it, and reattach the power wire. now, when I started, it will run for a few seconds and die.couId I have damaged my alternator? would that cause my symptoms???? please help
Oct 25, 2014 at 4:41 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is the battery light coming on? Is the check engine light on? What wire was it that you replaced? When you say the bolt came out, was it just a bolt that you could rethread back into the rear of the alternator and what wire was attached to it?
Oct 25, 2014 at 8:42 PM
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SCOCHRAN5278
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It's a wire that leads to the starter. And I just rethreaded it back into the alternator. There didn't seem to be anything attached to it. I also had replaced my ignition switch in the column and I have it just hanging there and using a screwdriver to activate the switch. I wanted to check that it was working before I put it all back together. But it turns over and starts but just dies after a few seconds.
Oct 26, 2014 at 7:58 AM
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SCOCHRAN5278
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The battery light is not on. I never had any trouble until I replaced my ignition switch and messed with that wire.
Oct 26, 2014 at 8:04 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Does this vehicle have a security system? As far as the alt, I don't think that has anything to do with it.
Oct 26, 2014 at 7:31 PM
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SCOCHRAN5278
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Yes it has SECURITY on it. But it starts and runs for a few seconds. Does he steering column have to be completly together for it to stay running?
Oct 27, 2014 at 6:56 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Everything needs connected.
Oct 27, 2014 at 8:43 AM