Has my alternator failed?
01-08-19, 12:04 AM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Has my alternator failed?
Hey everyone,
So, I'll try keep this short and sweet.
Driving home from work the other day, the battery light came on after I noticed funny sounds from my speakers.
Steering got heavy (no P/S light), cluster lights flickering, smoke was seen exiting the left hand side of the hood, and 'check VSC' appeared.
I get a burning electrical smell when the car is running. The battery died. Got a new battery. Started it, idles at 12.6V (not good?), however spikes to 14v under load (above 2k RPM)
I have checked fuses, everything is okay. Serp belt looks fine, doesn't seem to be slipping.
Is it possible that the alternator is failing even though it still spikes to 14v under load but the battery slowly drains at idle?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate any input.
So, I'll try keep this short and sweet.
Driving home from work the other day, the battery light came on after I noticed funny sounds from my speakers.
Steering got heavy (no P/S light), cluster lights flickering, smoke was seen exiting the left hand side of the hood, and 'check VSC' appeared.
I get a burning electrical smell when the car is running. The battery died. Got a new battery. Started it, idles at 12.6V (not good?), however spikes to 14v under load (above 2k RPM)
I have checked fuses, everything is okay. Serp belt looks fine, doesn't seem to be slipping.
Is it possible that the alternator is failing even though it still spikes to 14v under load but the battery slowly drains at idle?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate any input.
01-08-19, 04:28 AM
#2
Get it tested at your local Auto supplier-store.
01-08-19, 07:26 AM
#3
2 weeks ago my mother's Accord alternator went out. At the gas station I jumped started it. Checked voltage it was at 13.5 volts. Got the car home and took the battery to get tested, and it passed. Put the battery back in checked voltage 11.5 -11.7 volts.
I'm going to say it's your alternator on this one. Though you can get it tested on the car at O'Riley's.
I'm going to say it's your alternator on this one. Though you can get it tested on the car at O'Riley's.
01-08-19, 08:20 AM
#4
Super Moderator
It's almost certainly your alternator. As you noted, 12.6V at idle is not good. I'm not aware of anyone here losing their power steering with only a bad battery. I'd troubleshoot and repair your charging system before you deep discharge and damage your new battery.
01-08-19, 12:57 PM
#6
Driver
Thread Starter
I haven’t been able to pull any codes (don’t have a reader). I’ve only started the car once with the new battery and I won’t be starting it again till I try a new alternator which I’ve just ordered. If the issue persists, I’m going to take it to an auto-electrician to get it checked out. Hopefully there’s no shorting or anything like that.
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01-18-19, 07:55 AM
#8
Just an FYI, I've had to swap the alternator in my IS and it was a pain in the ***. Don't be afraid to disconnect your core support to help make room to get the old one out and the new one in. Also there's a small nut at the bottom of the alternator that is such a PIA to get on and off. The whole thing was a multi hour job but it was a nice feeling of accomplishment to not have had to pay an ungodly amount to have it changed for me.
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