Alternator On Its Way Out?

[RedRaptor]

I have a 2004 and the original OEM alternator on the car. The battery has been replaced with a Optima Yellow Top last winter.

I'm noticing some very weird things with the car. When I turn up the FAN speed to level 3, there is a obvious low hum that sounds like its coming from the engine. With the FAN speed at 2 or 3, whenever I use power (hold up the power window switch or power steering full lock), the FAN speed gets weak and is slower. When I let go of the power items, the FAN speed resumes.

I had my alternator tested by MajesticBlueNTO with a Canadian Tire unit and it show the alternator flunctating between 90 and 82 when charging. We tried the same test on his MS3 and it was always 100.

The car has been looked by Jimmy and he said the alternator is fine.

At this point, I'm thinking of replacing it regardless but anybody have the same experience?

[m3mtl]

It is normal that the fan does that. Dont worry about it. For example, look at your headlights (at night) at idle and use power items you'll see that they will dim, but when you push the gas they get brighter.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

It is normal that the fan does that. Dont worry about it. For example, look at your headlights (at night) at idle and use power items you'll see that they will dim, but when you push the gas they get brighter.

+1.

Those values on a 6 year old alternator are also good. Really don't think you need to replace the alternator, but in the end, do what makes you most comfortable.

[FLIPDADY]

Did Jimmy check out the contact wire Rob? There is a bulletin on corrosion.

[RedRaptor]

Did Jimmy check out the contact wire Rob? There is a bulletin on corrosion.

That's the first thing he checked and he said it was loose and slightly corroded.

Other than the power items making the fun weak, the battery is charging fine but the fact that I have a Yellow Top might be masking any alternator issues.

Thanks for the all the feedback guys, I've been back and forth on replacing the alternator.

[yuro]

Did Jimmy check out the contact wire Rob? There is a bulletin on corrosion.

is there a TSB for it? I know there is a TSB for a starter wire, but alternator wire?

[FLIPDADY]

is there a TSB for it? I know there is a TSB for a starter wire, but alternator wire?
Oh crap my bad you're right lol.

Starter wire TSB.

[stock3]

It is normal that the fan does that. Dont worry about it. For example, look at your headlights (at night) at idle and use power items you'll see that they will dim, but when you push the gas they get brighter.


No, it is not normal and usually it means that the voltage regulator is going out.

[yuro]

Oh crap my bad you're right lol.

Starter wire TSB.

no prob... I can't remember all TSBs either... I just keep most important ones in my head, just in case if my car doesn't want to start one day, I will check the starter wire... :)
I guess since my car is out of warranty, I have to pay for TSBs... so I'll just wait until spring or summer to fix it myself when it's warm outside....

[RedRaptor]

No, it is not normal and usually it means that the voltage regulator is going out.

What's the voltage regulator?

[stock3]

What's the voltage regulator?

Voltage regulator, as its name implies, regulates how much voltage comes out of the alternator. The nature of all alternators and generators is that the amount of electricity (voltage) they produce is heavily dependant on the speed. The faster they rotate, the more voltage they produce and vice versa.

A voltage regulator makes sure that the electrical system always sees steady voltage (between 13-14.5V). This makes electrical system more reliable, ensures that the battery is not overcharged and you have no dimming lights at idle or when the electrical load increases.

[RedRaptor]

Some more strange behavour...

The car alarm randomly goes off by itself. At first I thought it was the extreme cold weather but it started going off in the heated underground garage.

Amongst all of these issues, I've never seen the Battery Light light up on the dash.

[gabbygenier]

from what ur saying im going with either your battery is the issue or a bad ground. for the alarm to go off randomly that points away from the altenator IMO. did you get the battery checked. just cause its a yellow top means nothing. maybe you got a bad one out of a batch or something. i have a red top and ive had it for 3 years and now im noticing that its slowly dying. they are awesome batteries. ive put mine through hell with the stereo and its lasted at least 3 years.

[S.F.W.]

Another thing to consider, the Optima batteries can't be tested properly with normal battery charge readers. Because it is a gel battery, the meters will always indicate it is fine, when it is not. This was information I received from APH. I had issues with my headlights, and alarm, put in a new battery, and all was well.

[McGuyver_3]

The best way to test any battery would be to hook up a load tester to it. Its still a mannual guage that you can control how much load you want put on the battery to simulate full operating conditions. We have an electronic tester at work that says recharge battery but its good. Then we go at it with the mannual load tester and it fails miserably.
As for the voltage regulator, they are built in to the alternators now adays. They used to be able to be changed seperatly but not any more. I think if i am not mistaken Joe can get it for you BUT you will need to have someone to take the alternator apart and replace it. I dont think that is such an easy task. I would recomend you check scrap yards as they have them and even give you a decent warranty if it dies.
Perfect example i bought a starter motor from standard and for 10$ i think they gave me like a 3 year warranty if i remember correctly

[RedRaptor]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Haven't had time to deal with this. Another weird symptom I've noticed is when I use the turn signals for the first time (since I started the car), sometimes the HIDs flicker really quickly.

I need to make an oil change appointment with StreetPerformance for Jan. Hopefully, Jimmy can load test my battery and provide more insight into my electrical issues. I'll ask him about the starter wire TSB as well.