Alternator on its way out?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 581
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From: NJ
Alternator on its way out?
I have a slight whine coming from the engine bay, and when I pop the hood it sounds like it's coming from the alternator. I sprayed the belt with some water to see if it went away but it doesn't.
I've also noticed weird voltage readings on my DIC. Sometimes when driving it'll go up to 14.7amp, then down to mid 13s, and fluctuate.
Does this sounds like the amp is going?
I've also noticed weird voltage readings on my DIC. Sometimes when driving it'll go up to 14.7amp, then down to mid 13s, and fluctuate.
Does this sounds like the amp is going?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
I have a slight whine coming from the engine bay, and when I pop the hood it sounds like it's coming from the alternator. I sprayed the belt with some water to see if it went away but it doesn't.
I've also noticed weird voltage readings on my DIC. Sometimes when driving it'll go up to 14.7amp, then down to mid 13s, and fluctuate.
Does this sounds like the amp is going?
I've also noticed weird voltage readings on my DIC. Sometimes when driving it'll go up to 14.7amp, then down to mid 13s, and fluctuate.
Does this sounds like the amp is going?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Use a mechanics stethoscope and find the source of the noise. When you place the sensor on the rotating component, the noise source will be evident.
BC
BC
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: NJ
Hmm, I've been watching the voltage on the DIC for a couple weeks now since it's been cranking more than usual on cold starts. I was thinking it's the battery but maybe it's the alternator not pumping enough charge. Might just bring it to a shop for a quick diagnostic.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: NJ
I just pulled the belt off and no whine, it definitly sounds like it is coming from the alternator.
What is the normal voltage reading on the DIC when the car is running? Mine is between 13.7 and up to 14.4 when driving.
What is the normal voltage reading on the DIC when the car is running? Mine is between 13.7 and up to 14.4 when driving.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 114
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From: Reading PA
I typically see 14.7 v. and don't recall noticing a drop below 14. If your voltage regulator is malfunctioning, the battery may not be charging fully even if the alternator can provide the current.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
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From: San Clemente CA
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I agree. My charging can, and does go to 13.3 sometimes and up to 14.4, so I don't think that's an issue. You don't say how many miles are on the belt itself---could it be the belt?
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: NJ
34k miles on the car, the belt is approximately a year old. Definitely not the belt, I'm pretty confident it's coming from the alternator. At times it sounds like I have a blower....minus the power!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
well, I guess you could buy one and wait for the old one to fail. You may be right, it may not be the belt itself.
Or you could follow B. Curlee's advice and see if a stethoscope would confirm where the noise is coming from.
Or you could follow B. Curlee's advice and see if a stethoscope would confirm where the noise is coming from.