Just changed my alternator and now I'm loosing power.

[robodiaz]

I have a 2003, 3.7L liberty and I just changed my alternator over the weekend.

I had a choice of two alternators at Auto Zone, the difference being in amperage. A 136 or 160 amps. The guy couldn't tell which one I previously had so I opted for the larger one because he said it wouldn't make a difference since I'm not running alot of extra electrical devices.

Took it and installed it, test drove it for about 20 min. everything was fine.

Then today I drove to work on the highway and when I got up to around 70mph I noticed a slight loss in power and the engine just wasn't running as smoothly. Drove up a hill and there was a definite loss in power.

Is using the higher amped alternator causing my power loss? I've checked the belt and the connections to the alternator and it looks good.

Should I have autozone test out my car again?

Thanks!
RD

 

[rockymountain]

I have a 2003, 3.7L liberty and I just changed my alternator over the weekend.

I had a choice of two alternators at Auto Zone, the difference being in amperage. A 136 or 160 amps. The guy couldn't tell which one I previously had so I opted for the larger one because he said it wouldn't make a difference since I'm not running alot of extra electrical devices.

Took it and installed it, test drove it for about 20 min. everything was fine.

Then today I drove to work on the highway and when I got up to around 70mph I noticed a slight loss in power and the engine just wasn't running as smoothly. Drove up a hill and there was a definite loss in power.

Is using the higher amped alternator causing my power loss? I've checked the belt and the connections to the alternator and it looks good.

Should I have autozone test out my car again?

Thanks!
RD

I'd take it back and get one at NAPA. HOw's the battery?

 

[robodiaz]

Fixed so far ...

Thanks rockymountain for the reply. The battery checked out fine.

So I read somewhere online (sorry I can't remember where) about someone who was having some weird electrical issue on their car. They had to disconnect the battery for 30 min. Then hook everything back up and let the car run idle for about 10 min. They mentioned something about the computer having to get used to the new system or something like that (sorry I know it's not very helpful).

I did the same and it's worked so far. I ran it on the highway and up hills trying to recreate the problem. Everythings been good so far.