superjohn

I just installed a 200amp high output alternator I bought off eBay from a seller called PowerMaxUSA.
The car starts up fine and everything looks good until I put it in drive. Engine is not getting power to the wheels. No torque to pull the car forward. It slowly rolls as I press on the gas but pretty much gutless. Car is a 2001 Lexus GS430. Any ideas?

System is charging properly. No battery light or any other warning lights on the dash. No weird noises. Belt is not slipping, from what I can tell. Headlights don't dim when I try to go forward. I have not installed my aftermarket stereo yet or "big 3" upgraded cables. Everything else on the car is stock.

The original stock alternator just died at 120kmi, so I don't have a spare to put back in and test it.

iToaster

The transmission cooler lines run right by the alternator, maybe they were compromised somehow during the install. I'd check to make sure they aren't leaking or kinked.

superjohn

Thanks for the tip! Hopefully I have time to check it out tonight after work.

That sounds totally logical. I pulled the alternator out from the bottom and pushed a bunch of lines around to wiggle it out. I didn't even think of that but it makes sense. Engine feels fine, but it behaves like driving a manual without letting the clutch out.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Put the car in reverse and give a quick 5ft jolt backwards, then put it in drive. Should be fine after that.

I'm assuming that when you give it gas, the rpm's go up, but the car barely moves right? Or is the car bogging and not moving?

superjohn

That's correct. Engine rpm's increase, but car barely moves. Car still has some torque to go in reverse, but not much to move forward.

What do you mean by a "5th jolt"? Does that just mean step on the gas in reverse?

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

They said "5ft". Five feet.

superjohn

Jeez, I guess I can't read. Thanks for the correction/clarification. I'll check out the transmission oil level, check for leaks, check for kinked lines and try get it to make a jolt backwards and let you know what happens.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Yea, just step on it No dont go WOT, but just give it, well a jolt Its an old dealer trick, IIRC, no one knows why it works, it just does I think it just re-cycles the fluid. and yes, check the fluid level. I had a similar problem.

LOOOOOONG story (short), when I got my car painted, they cut my transmission line while trying to remove my alternator (again, its a long story LoL Like, what does an alternator have to do with a paint job right ) anyways. The lines were cut and I would lose fluid constantly, even after many failed repair attempts. Finally after succeeding the repair, no problems. But up till that point I would frequently have the problem you're having, scared the shat out of me! But yup, just threw it in reverse, gave it a jolt backwards and the car was back on the road until the next time the fluid diminishing reoccurred.

superjohn

Car is working fine now. I really appreciate all the help - THANKS!

I couldn't find any bends, kinks, or leaks in the transmission lines. Fluid level was good. I gave the car a small jolt in reverse, then it was fine. Go figure.