Is the alternator going?

[95grandamgt3100]

When i come to a stop with the rear defrost on the voltmeter goes way down to just above the red zone. Sometimes when i come to a stop with nothing on the voltmeter goes down to right in the middle, but when i hit the gas or when i'm driving it is where its supposed to be. And if i do get a new alternator i wanted it to be bigger like a 120 amp cause i do have a system, would that be too much or should i go higher?

[JAFO2RHh]

It's going to do that. When your RPMs drop so the the voltage ouput of the alternator, and if you're running any accessories, like the AC, or defroster then the voltage will drop even more. You'll know when your alt starts to go, as the ABS light will come on and the speedo will act all funny.

[ccarr8705]

then mine is about to go. because when I turn stuff on the lights flicker and hit the brakes the lights flicker. and sometimes the ABS comes on

[95grandamgt3100]

thanks for the info, i just wasn't sure.

[RocketFast321]

hmmm the our malibu has been doing that for the last two years, only went it is very cold out. Only with the heat on and back defrost on, the dash lights and head lights will go very dim at a stop. But i can have a 225w amp on, back defrost on, dual 55w driving lights on and my car will not even flinch.

[Auchey15]

My car is doing the same thing. Than I went to a pointiac dealership to get it checked. They said alternator was going. Gona be a hefty price for me since its located in a stupid spot. Around $420 dollars to get part and it installed. Thats what a couple of garages told me.

[RocketFast321]

Originally posted by Auchey15
My car is doing the same thing. Than I went to a pointiac dealership to get it checked. They said alternator was going. Gona be a hefty price for me since its located in a stupid spot. Around $420 dollars to get part and it installed. Thats what a couple of garages told me.

Yea it is under the engine, very weird place

[Bouchie11982]

i have a 94 and i thought the alternator was ontop..like on the driver side under the hood...

[redgrandam]

yeah.. on the 3100 it is up there, not a big deal to change at all.. did it in my driveway.. I guess the 3.4 is different...

[Auchey15]

Yeah they developed my car like it would never need maintanence, which would be nice, but it does. The battery is also in a stupid place.

[grandizzle]

Originally posted by redgrandam
yeah.. on the 3100 it is up there, not a big deal to change at all.. did it in my driveway.. I guess the 3.4 is different...

auchey has the 3.4 TDC NOT NOT NOT the 3400 OHV.....big difference...

the alt on the 3100 is same place as 3400....hell its moreso the exact same engine, with some minor differences....


anyway, yea my alternator is going, 3 months after installing the AEM tru power alternator pulley :roll2:

[ramairgt2]

i would check out the job yourself
as in see if you can replace the alternator on your own
best way to learn how to repair things on cars in my opinion
just inspect where the bolts are,the belt ,wires etc

420 is alot for just replacing the alt
but i do know the 3.4 is a pain to work on

[Black99GT3]

Originally posted by ccarr8705
then mine is about to go. because when I turn stuff on the lights flicker and hit the brakes the lights flicker. and sometimes the ABS comes on

yeah mine did that too..just need a new one..mine has had no problems since it's been replaced