Strange alternator issues

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

OP
OP
K

kyle_in_rure

Full Access Members
Joined
May 28, 2013
Posts
130
Reaction score
3
Location
TN
Interesting. I wonder if mine does the same thing.

If so I wonder if it is actually the alternator and not some connection issue, although the whining noise makes me suspect otherwise


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

1955moose

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 23, 2014
Posts
5,981
Reaction score
1,336
The whining could be a bushing/bearing going out, but that's a whole different issue. As we've stated in earlier posts, disconnect your belt, spin each pulley. The one that's failing will sound like an old roller skate.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk
 

theoldwizard1

Full Access Members
Joined
Jul 29, 2013
Posts
320
Reaction score
81
Location
SE MI
Whining is either a
The whining could be a bushing/bearing going out, but that's a whole different issue. As we've stated in earlier posts, disconnect your belt, spin each pulley. The one that's failing will sound like an old roller skate.
When a regulator detects a low battery and applies full voltage to the field the alternator may also whine.

The regulator controls the operation of the battery/charging light.

Either way, it sounds like you will be buying a new alternator ! RockAuto has NEW (not rebuilt) Bosch alternators with a lifetime warranty for about $135 plus shipping !
 

knewblewkorvett

Full Access Members
Joined
Apr 14, 2012
Posts
143
Reaction score
43
Location
Iowa
You might have both alternator and battery problems. With the vehicle off you should have at least 12.5 volts and when vehicle is on it should read over 14 volts (both measured at the battery). You can go to a place like AutoZone or Advance Auto and they will test both your battery and alternator for free.
 

theoldwizard1

Full Access Members
Joined
Jul 29, 2013
Posts
320
Reaction score
81
Location
SE MI
You might have both alternator and battery problems. With the vehicle off you should have at least 12.5 volts and when vehicle is on it should read over 14 volts (both measured at the battery).
It will NOT always read > 14V with the engine running. The minimum charging voltage (at the battery) is 13.2V.
 

1955moose

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 23, 2014
Posts
5,981
Reaction score
1,336
These SUV's absolutely need a sound battery to function. A battery with one questionable cell, can wreak all kinds of havoc. 13.2 volts is not quite enough. If you start out with 12.6 volts, the voltage point a stable, good battery should be at, charging should jump up to at least 13.8 to 14.5 volts. Now if you turn on all accessories, a/c, lights, etc, it may drop some, but not below 13.6 volts. The fact that your low charging light all of a sudden started working, tells me you got a cruddy connection somewhere. Time to play electrical detective, and find out why?

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk
 
OP
OP
K

kyle_in_rure

Full Access Members
Joined
May 28, 2013
Posts
130
Reaction score
3
Location
TN
Sorry for the delay been a crazy week. I took the old one out on Friday and it was making a squeaking/grinding noise when spun it so I suspect it was on its way out. I replaced it and she is charging like normal again. It holds around 14.3 when unloaded and about 13.6 with a bunch of stuff on.

The battery light on the dash still doesn’t turn on sometimes when I turn the ignition without starting it, but this is not affecting the charging so I don’t think it is much of an issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

1955moose

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 23, 2014
Posts
5,981
Reaction score
1,336
When you get some time, you might want to swap out that bulb, clean connection. You want to know right away if your charging isn't up to *****. Problems always seem to rear their ugly heads, during a rain/snowstorm. If the light works, you know it's time to head home.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk
 
OP
OP
K

kyle_in_rure

Full Access Members
Joined
May 28, 2013
Posts
130
Reaction score
3
Location
TN
When you get some time, you might want to swap out that bulb, clean connection. You want to know right away if your charging isn't up to *****. Problems always seem to rear their ugly heads, during a rain/snowstorm. If the light works, you know it's time to head home.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

Moose,

I plan on doing this soon when I get some time. My current instrument cluster came from the junk yard as I broke the other one trying to fix the odometer.....

I had to change most of the bulbs in the “new cluster” but it’s possible I missed the battery bulb....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
53,328
Posts
500,123
Members
46,692
Latest member
luketravis
Top