Signs of an alternator weakening or dying?

lilnicko11 · Post by **lilnicko11** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 1:52 pm

Just wondering some of the signs while driving of your alternator going?

Could it cause a very slow response in the throttle, etc.?

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 2:51 pm

A bad alt can cause many problems. The PCM needs a constant 12v supply to function correctly. If the voltage while running drops to low, the car may just stop running. It can also cause damage to the PCM is left unchecked.

I thought you were going to have your charging system checked already. You haven't done that yet?

2005.Neon.SXT · Post by **2005.Neon.SXT** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 5:21 pm

I looked online to see how to use my multimeter to check the alternator and it seems mine is starting to go. Not sure what caused it since I had a used one installed 2 years ago, but... maybe cause it was used lol.

Anyway, the "signs" I'm seeing are: voltmeter bouncing from 13.2-14.1, multimeter reads 13.4-13.8 with car on and no lights or heater, and it reads steadily at 14.1 with heater on full and headlights on.

Sucks cause changing that alternator was a biotch to do... lol.

lilnicko11 · Post by **lilnicko11** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 8:53 pm

john, i havent gotten a chance to et it checked out yet. The other day i drove home and nothing came on. I just drove again and it was super un responsive accelerating especially in 2nd gear. I did pay closer attention to my volt gauge and at the beginning it did seem to bounce between 13 and 14. my girlfriend did seem to think the panel lights were slightly dimmer than usual as well but it was hard for me to notice. i did not notice any change when pushing the gas as far as the lighting is concerned.

NiteHawk · Post by **NiteHawk** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:35 am

it's normal for the alternator to put out between 13-14volts, especially at idle......

now if the car's running and you only get 12v out of the alternator then i would be concerned...

if you're really worried about it, then get a new one (which btw, the PT NA alternator is 123-130amps, and is a direct replacement for us neons)

this is of course, assuming you're talking about your ACR...

if you're talking about your SRT, then i dont know.....i think the PTGT alternator was a higher amperage unit than the NSRT

2005.Neon.SXT · Post by **2005.Neon.SXT** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:27 am

Nitehawk - you know, my wife was saying the same thing... but it just seems odd to me. It doesn't drop below 13 volts, but what bugs me (and concerns me?) is that the lights flicker... constantly (HVAC, cluster, turn signal bulbs, taillight bulbs, but not HIDs or Pillar gauges). Not so much while I'm driving, but more so when I'm sitting at a light, etc. Not doubting you, but just want to double check: you say I shouldn't be too concerned as long as it's not getting near 12 volts?

superdan · Post by **superdan** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:36 am

^ upgrade your ground wires

viewtopic.php?t=9909

lilnicko11 · Post by **lilnicko11** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 8:42 pm

so yup. def thinking alternator. got in my car today and voltage was at 10. i said oh shit. i had to get to my SRT4 which is in a garage 5 miles away. I barely made it. By the time I got there a lot of different lights came on. ABS, EBRAKE, BATTERY, etc. Ended up at like Voltage 4 or 5. Guess it will get some time in the garage til I get the alternator replaced.

NiteHawk · Post by **NiteHawk** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:35 pm

get the PTNA alternator...nice upgrade and its about the same price

2005: yeah thats your grounds needing upgraded.....every stock vehicle does that after a while...

ZeroChad · Post by **ZeroChad** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 12:37 am

NiteHawk wrote:it's normal for the alternator to put out between 13-14volts, especially at idle......

Right, but it shouldn't be fluctuating 1V continuously. Is your idle speed surging as well or is it constant?