ACDelco Automotive Parts — TECHCONNECT

Are you one of those technicians who believes you can't use one brand of replacement parts for all makes and models of vehicles? If you are, ACDelco would like to challenge you to start thinking differently.

For the next 12 months, ACDelco will challenge individual technicians around the country to try select ACDelco products for non-GM vehicle related repairs. The technicians will be asked for their assessments on the parts quality, reliability, fit and function and the results will be reported out in a series of articles in Underhood Service, Brake & Front End and ImportCar.

The truth is, not all parts are created equal. The real difference is the quality that goes into the design and manufacturing process. Our quality is what gives us the confidence that our replacement parts will hold up to your highest expectations whether they are used in a GM, a Ford, a Toyota or a Nissan. The majority of our parts are put through a variety of tests, often under extreme or unusual conditions to help assure that the quality that's promised is the quality being delivered. ACDelco parts deliver trusted quality for most vehicles on the road today. In addition, we pay close attention to product sourcing to help ensure that our parts meet ACDelco’s stringent and exacting standards. All of this translates to parts that are designed to fit and function properly the first time.

Our combination of broad coverage, product quality, competitive prices and industry leading training makes the ACDelco product line a true winner and must have for Independent Service Centers. Check back throughout the year for the results or contact your local ACDelco distributor to find out more about our complete line of quality replacement parts.

September Alternator Test

REPAIR DETAILS

VEHICLE: 1997 Ford Expedition

MILES: 101,116

PART: ACDelco Alternator P/N 334-2274

SHOP DETAILS

SHOP: Bill’s Quality Automotive

OWNER/YEARS IN BUSINESS: Bill James, 32 years

TECH: Jason Pokorny

CERTIFICATIONS: GM ASEP graduate; ASE Master Certified

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL CAUSES OF ALTERNATOR WEAR-OUT?

We find that excessive heat causes most alternators to wear out, so we always check for battery drains and weak batteries.

HOW DID YOU BEGIN TO DIAGNOSE THIS REPAIR?

We go to the service manual for the charging system wiring diagram so we can check for power and ground in the right places, and for any excessive voltage drops. And, on late-model cars, we scan the computer for any trouble codes.

HOW DID THE INSTALLATION GO?

The installation was very smooth; the unit was properly clocked, the belt pulley was correct and all the bolt holes had clean threads. The alternator also came with very detailed removal, installation and testing instructions to help remind technicians of the proper procedures.

WOULD YOU NOW BE MORE LIKELY TO USE ACDELCO PARTS FOR NON-GM VEHICLE RELATED REPAIRS, SUCH AS THIS?

We now have confidence in the fit and function of ACDelco alternators for non-GM applications. This will allow us to stock parts with a consistent quality and warranty. Having quality parts that fit right the first time not only reduces installation and repair time, but ensures customer service in the process.