Possible alternator problem?

[xxdolphinscryxx]

Ok, so here is a crappy one. I recently got my car returned from the accident with the deer (see here for some pics viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1882)

Recent hot weather had me clicking the a/c on, and after a couple min running, I noticed the Battery Icon was flashing on and off. I later tried it again, same problem. Parked at home, and turned a/c back on and listened to see if I heard anything. When the light kicked on again, I felt something akin to a power surge (?) and heard this almost "screechy" kind of squeel going on. ONLY happens when a/c is running, and only when its at 2 or higher.

Took to my mechanic this morning to have him take a look. He ran diagnostics and alternator seemed fine, but he heard the noises, and thinks its the compressor.
I'm not sure just how likely it is that it is accident related, but weirder things have happened I'm sure. There was absolutely NOTHING wrong with my a/c, before this happened; no wierd noises, no flashing light, no phsycial evidence. So this is either a MAJOR coincidence, or it is truely related to the accident.

So after calling the insurance, I was told the body shop needs to look at it. They poked around, and are convinced that an alternator bearing is going out or something. Needless to say, I'm pretty confused, and started out with MORE questions than I had when I started this adventure. I am scheduled for oil with my mechanic and he is aware of what I have found out today, but its just bugging me that I don't know anything more about this.

I'd love to have some ideas bounced around, just to put my mind at ease until I get this figured out...

[DynoJetta]

That's a weird coincidence, because my car just started making a weird screeching noise that is related to the a/c. I haven't seen any flashing battery light, but almost every time I cycle the a/c on or off, there's a momentary screeching noise. I thought it was just a loose accessories belt. Have yet to look into it. Will be interested to see what yours ends up being.

As far as whether it's related to the accident or not, it could be coincidence. I tore my car apart to clean the intake manifold out, put it back together, and then it wouldn't start. I happened to get a clogged fuel line at that exact same moment. Totally unrelated, but I thought I had screwed something up doing the intake manifold.

I'll let you know if I figure mine out soon.

[Rennwagen1]

here is the deal with this one, if you truly feels that this is accident related, as in, everytihng worked fine before, you MUST FIGHT THIS WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY!! Also do not waste time with it, because the more time that goes by, the less likely they are to do anything about it. Be an annoying thorn in their sides, and you may have to get mean with them also. (I have had to use the "F" word a lot to get any results sometimes)Think about it this way; this is your car, and they have to fix it, but you are going to have to let them know, that you know they have to fix it. Give them no quarter! FIGHT!! If this is your own insurance company, you may also want to point out how many cars you have insured with them, length of insurance, etc....also let them know you will drop all you policies if they don't do what you want. You have been payin them premiums every month and now it is time for them to uphold thier side of the bargain.

wow. /rant.

I "dislike" insurance companies a lot it seems.

[xxdolphinscryxx]

Well I have already called them once and explained the situation. I don't know if I'm getting B.S.'ed or not about this...I have to say my insurance is VERY good (its USAA). I was told that the body shop needs to look at if further and if they feel that it is accident related, that they need to discuss it with the adjustor and HE has to make the decision.

But nobody KNOWS what the deal is at this point, and its kind of frustrating. I almost want to call the adjustor and talk to him myself, if that is what it takes. The body shop has told me to have my mechanic look at it again, and LOOK for evidence of it being accident damage.
I'm just torn, because I'm an honest person, and if it IS just normal wear and tear, then I don't want to screw my insurance, but on the other hand, if it indeed IS accident damage, then your damn straight I want it fixed.

I think the guy at the body shop kind of has me doubting myself because he gave me this explanation about the structrual damage that is common and blah blah blah, but in MY mind, just because there isn't phsycial structural damage, doesn't mean that the FORCE of the impact itself didn't do damage. I'm not really into the physics of things, so I don't know how likely that is.

But in the end, everything work FINE until this shit happend. So I dunno...I just don't want to turn into some raging bitch to get what I want, whether or not its justified...

[Rennwagen1]

I also have USAA insurance, and they are the finest around, I believe. I was pretty much ranting about everyone else's insurance that hits me and stuff. My advice would be to call the estimator yourself and deal directly with him. I think the force of a deer hitting your car would definitely cause stuff that shouldn't normally move around, to move around, you know what I mean? I just say keep on it....DAMN THE MAN!!.....FIGHT THE POWER!!THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED!!!!