Danosaurus

So yesterday my car was idling for a bit and suddenly started to throw all kinds of check this and check that errors, before the dreaded check charging system followed by the whole car dying. Tried jumping it and took a meter to the battery terminals and basically it will run for about five minutes while the battery slowly drops in voltage. It starts out at only about 11 volts and goes downhill from there. The battery is from November 2020, and with these symptoms it's pretty obviously the alternator I think, though it's not making any unusual noises. I've also checked the battery posts and such and all looks good.

I've watched a few YouTube videos and it looks fairly straightforward but a bit of a pain. I do my own brakes and such so I think I can handle it, and I have all the necessary tools. To anyone else that has successfully swapped out their alternator, any advice or things to look out for? Parts are arriving Monday.

Also, as long as I've got the alternator out, is it easy and worthwhile to change out the serpentine belt? Pretty sure mine is due.

Thanks!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Since the belt will be off in order to take off the alternator, it would be wise to at least consider changing the serpentine belt. check for cracks in the belt.

I4 or V6?

Tsx780

go oem or find a used oem alternator, aftermarket is junk

Danosaurus

It’s a 4 cyl. I will probably change the belt as well. Is it just a simple as threading a new one on while the tensioner is released, or is there more to it?

Danosaurus

New developments…so I took the old alternator out today and had it tested at the local O’Reillys and it passed. Next step I took the battery in and had it tested and it failed, so I got a new one under warranty. Came home and put everything back together but with the car running I’m only getting a stable 12.5 - 12.9 volts on the battery terminals. At least it’s not draining and dying, but I expected over 13 volts running? Wondering if the alternator is still suspect?

J T

Since you're replacing the alternator, check the conditions of all your pulleys and replace the serpentine belt since you're taking it off to do the alternator. I had a really bad rattle/vibration when the AC was on. Turns out the issue was my auto tensioner pulley. The bearing had side to side play and did not move smoothly. I replaced my serpentine belt and auto-tensioner using Continental parts and the Idler Pulley using an AcDelco one. I no longer have vibrations when the AC is on.

d2k2vic

Looks like you should have at least 13.5 volts from the alternator per the attachment; if you've never replaced it I certainly would.