Alternator?

[pokesmot]

replaced my alternator recently because the bearings were going and it was quite loud.

noticed with the new alternator that the voltmeter will fluctuate alot at initial startup and then level out once I drive for a bit. (doesnt improve with rpms)

well, tonight, it was pouring rain very humid thunder and lightning. my voltmeter dropped to 9 or 10 volts and stayed there for the whole trip home then sorta bounced around a bit, then stayed at 13 again... but for the majority of the trip I was heavily relying on the battery, and the alternator wasnt pumping out anything.


you think the alternator is to blame? or would it more likely be the 4 pin connector to the alternator? I know the fat red wire has a good clean conneciton, not 100% sure about the condition of the gray multi-wire connector though.

[kyboman]

Change your belt and check the belt tension.
Did you buy a remanufactured alternator?
The voltage regulator is in the alternator. Return the alternator. However, when you do return it, they will test it and it will work perfect for them. I had the same intermittent problem with an alternator and it eventually fried my battery.

[pokesmot]

ok replaced the alternator, and belt tension is good.

it still fluctuates alot at startup if I turn my headlights on though.

im wondering if it might be a problem with my lights drawing too much current?

[doobiess]

make sure all electrical connections are correct and make sure the ground is attached properly

[Matt95GT]

Doublecheck the small connector... a loose connection to the exciter pin will cause that issue.

[pokesmot]

Replaced the alternator under warranty and swapped it for another remanufactured one.

Also got some electrical cleaner spray, and sprayed down the small connector going into the alternator, so the connection is shiney and I know its clean now.


However, I'm still having the same problem !

I never had this problem prior to me changing the alternator, so im thinking I might have done soemthing to cause this.

so far, it only happens at startup, but it can be pretty bad sometimes, where it wont charge for a while.

normally if I rev the engine high a couple times the gauge will suddenly bounce up and it will stay (with hesitation) Other mornings Ill go to start my car and the battery light will come on and stay on for a few KM before finally going away.


Im thinking wiring ? which wire should I look into testing / replacing?

[pokesmot]

as matt suggested; I too am starting to think it might have something to do with the exciter wire.

Apparently Some alternators will start to generate current after the engine reaches a certain RPM, so im wondering if my alternator has this, or if it's just a bad connection to the exciter somewhere?