Alternator job, PART 2

I just noticed 2 problems tonight for the first time and I wonder if it
might be related to having the alternator changed Saturday:

- The cigarette lighter dont work anymore (but it worked until this morning,
which is 36h after the change). The blue light around it is still on but
much weaker

- I heard a high pitched squeaking sound a few seconds after I started
tonight, that sound disappeared after that (loose belt?) Once again, first
time I hear that.

Other things to know: Today is kinda cool (for Texas) (50F), lights, radio,
A/C all that works just fine.

anyone has ideas?

 

Check the fuse first, just to eliminate it.

Yes, this is exactly the description of a loose alternator
belt: Squeals on first startup, then quiets down.

If you're handy and have a set of metric wrenches and
sockets, it shouldn't be hard to tighten it up yourself.
There's a free online manual at www.autozone.com , On the
left, click on "Repair Info," then "Vehicle Repair Guides."
Click on car year, make, and model, etc.

 

The radial load from pulling the side of the output shaft that
exceeds the factory spec by a tight belt will cause premature
wear of output shaft bearings. Instead use a grip compound
or replace the worn belt.

Here's a rule of thumb: Push down on the belt halfway
between pulleys with a force of about 24 lbs. The belt
should deflect 12-17mm.

 

A very good point. If you have AC and your alternator belt is common
to the AC compressor and it was reinstalled tighter than when you
brought it in, it could be the compressor clutch that is making the
high pitched squeal from the excessive side load. This happened on my
'90. belt never was slipping.

Frank