Symptoms of Alternator Going Bad
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From: Zephyr on 7 Apr 2010 19:12 On Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:52:01 -0700, Zephyr <Zephyr(a)world.traveler.net> wrote: >What are the symptoms of alternator going bad? Does it go bad >gradually or suddenly? Have '90 Seville and the battery is almost 3 >yrs old (w/ 5 yr warranty) and AFAIK, the alerternator is the original >one. Asking because one time the engine did not start right off when >the ignition key was turned on when the car was unused for like two >weeks. There was a dead spot when the ignition key was first turned >on, just like when you have a dead battery. But the second turn on >started the engine. Been running the car almost everyday for 4-5 >miles and have not experienced the dead spot problem in engne >starting. But feel something's not right. Am I being paranoid? (This shall serve as replies to respondents. Thanks for the responses.) The Seville has battery voltage monitor (along with coolent temp, engine rpm and oil index). When the "problem" developed, started monitoring it closely. When the ignition is on, the voltmeter reads 14.5 initially, but then drops down to 13.5 after a few miles. Noticed voltage drop before, but do not remember dropping to 13.5. My recollection is that it used to drop to 14.1/14.2, not to 13.x. Checked the battery terminal and cables and I don't see corrosion or loose connection. Just got back from freeway driving (75 mph) and the voltmeter gradually crept up to 14.0 and stayed there for like 30min (and it would not go higher). But when got back into the city driving (40 mph), voltage gradually drops down to 13.5. As mentioned I don't think this was normal and that was the main cause for concern. Hard to tell on AM radio noise as the antenna is broken. There is hissing whether engine is on or off. Does the above give any more hints?
From: Ad absurdum per aspera on 8 Apr 2010 16:26 > Asking because one time the engine did not start right off when > the ignition key was turned on when the car was unused for like two > weeks. There was a dead spot when the ignition key was first turned > on, just like when you have a dead battery. But the second turn on > started the engine. That sounds like a dead spot on the starter, or maybe a loose connection. Alternator electrical failures I've known are usually sudden and unambiguous, though their mechanical failures (e.g., bearings) usually develop over time, with warning signs. An inexpensive multimeter can let you know what's going on. With the engine running, you should be seeing something around >= 14V on the battery posts, if alternator and wiring connections are good. With the engine off, the battery should read in the mid twelves. How well the battery holds how much charge, and how willingly it delivers current, are questions for a load tester. Again. though, it isn't what I'm thinking of, for your specific symptoms. Cheers, --Joe
From: cuhulin on 8 Apr 2010 17:11 About forty something years ago, I read somewhere that if a flat blade screwdriver will stick pretty good on the middle of the rear of an alternator, that means the alternator is good. One of those old ''Tricks''. cuhulin
From: Zephyr on 9 Apr 2010 18:45 Yesterday and today the engine started with oomph. The freeway ride two days ago must have done some good. Will drive everyday and hopefully the problem does not reappear. Thanks again for taking the time to respond. On Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:52:01 -0700, Zephyr <Zephyr(a)world.traveler.net> wrote: >What are the symptoms of alternator going bad? Does it go bad >gradually or suddenly? Have '90 Seville and the battery is almost 3 >yrs old (w/ 5 yr warranty) and AFAIK, the alerternator is the original >one. Asking because one time the engine did not start right off when >the ignition key was turned on when the car was unused for like two >weeks. There was a dead spot when the ignition key was first turned >on, just like when you have a dead battery. But the second turn on >started the engine. Been running the car almost everyday for 4-5 >miles and have not experienced the dead spot problem in engne >starting. But feel something's not right. Am I being paranoid?
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