Another problem

dannmarr · #1 12-08-2007, 10:38 AM

I have a plug in Volt meter in my car to monitor the battery and alternator. I know it's not 100% accurate. But lately, the meter reads around 11 Volts while driving. Sometimes it goes to 10 Volts at a stop and above 13 Volts occationally. Is this a sign of a failing regulator? Would a remote start cause this?

SVXRide · #2 12-08-2007, 10:59 AM

check to see if the climate control fan or other electrical draws(radiator fans, headlights) are on when the voltage drops.
-Bill

dannmarr · #3 12-08-2007, 12:16 PM

I had the car checked and they said it's a bad diode. They said it is either the Alternator or the wiring. The Alternator was rebuilt about a year and a half ago. How do I check this? Again, does the new remote start have anything to do with this? Problems have come up right around the same time.

Trevor · #4 12-08-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannmarr

I had the car checked and they said it's a bad diode. They said it is either the Alternator or the wiring. The Alternator was rebuilt about a year and a half ago. How do I check this? Again, does the new remote start have anything to do with this? Problems have come up right around the same time.

Surely by "a bad diode" they meant a diode within the alternator and this could be correct, as everything indicates a faulty alternator. However you should check the wiring to the alternator, and in particular the smaller cable which contains the pilot wire sensing voltage for the regulator.

If the remote start works OK it is difficult to see how anything involved could cause the sort of voltage drop you mention. However that said, a voltage check at the battery would be a good idea, but this is what the people who checked things surely must have done.

dannmarr · #5 12-09-2007, 09:08 AM

I took out the Alternator and had it bench tested. It failed. Any recommendations on which Alternator to buy? Can I go to a higher Amp?

Hocrest · #6 12-09-2007, 09:20 AM

If you can go without the car for a few days. I'd suggest taking your alternator to a local shop for a rebuild. Generally there are better products used and the craftsmanship will be better. Expect to pay about $130...

dannmarr · #7 12-09-2007, 09:34 AM

I found some on line (JCWhitney) for about that price. They are one wire units. They claim it dosen't need the harness hook up, only the battery line. Does this make any sense?