So my vehicle is a 2011 Acura TL SH-AWD. When I got it 9 months ago, I keep hearing this whining noise that follows the RPMs of the car. I took a video.


I ignored it for a while thinking it was a leak in the air intake system. Doing some research, some people pointed to be the alternator and after inspecting under the hood with the engine on, the whistling noise did come from the direction of the alternator.

40 minutes ago, I was driving and got a "Check Charging System" light. Suspicions about the alternator came up. 25 minutes later (and thankfully within a mile of my house) my SH-AWD system light came on and my rear wheels lost all power so I was essentially FWD. Next came my power steering, and right after my VSA traction control, ABS lights came on and my electronics started flickering and steering went nuts.

I'm pretty sure this is a bad alternator, but I'm just a home mechanic and I'd rather get the opinions and diagnosis of actual mechanics. Was I right?

Also, are re-manufactured alternators any issue? It's all they have on RockAuto.

Thanks in advance everyone!

Edit: Forgot to mention that the engine no longer starts and checking the battery with a voltmeter, I get a reading of 11.75. Thought it would be a bit lower to not be able to start but oh well.

 

And while I'm here, any suggestions for alternator brands? Looking at ACDelco, Denso, Pure Energy, or Remy right now.

 

It's really difficult, to hear the noise, on your video. For future reference, one way to check, and diagnose the source, of an abnormal noise, is to obtain a Mechanics stethoscope. Such a tool, is similar to a Doctor's stethoscope, and serves the same purpose. One can be obtained from places like, Auto Parts stores, Harbor Freight, Ebay, etc., generally, for less than five dollars. If you can "Jump Start" the car, do so, and take it to the nearest Auto Parts store, calling ahead first, to insure they have the ability to test the electrical system. Prior to testing the system, the battery will have to be fully charged. Also, a code,located on the battery, will reveal it's date of manufacture. If the battery is over 3 years old, it might be a wise idea to replace it, even if the alternator proves to be the core problem. Acura Alternators, are pretty robust, and tend to last a very long time. Mine is 18 years old, and has 239,500 miles on it. A new, OEM Factory alternator, would probably cost like,$400.00+. I would look for an aftermarket, DENSO Brand,, which i believe is the OEM manufacturer. My guess, it's just a failing battery. Cheers

 

It is not the Prop Shaft bearing issue. You could see if the battery is being charged with a volt meter:

 

You need to measure the battery voltage with a load connected. Turn on the headlights and then check the voltage at the battery.

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I hate it when they just bail lol. No update or anything. People these days🙄

 

@A.Sensation I’m with u 💯 there’s a few threads that I was having same issue but the person bails & gives no update or the Fix