[mrtoner]

A few days ago I started hearing an occasional squeak. It sounded like a pulley bearing, so I planned to find what it is this weekend.

But today, I noticed my dash volt meter stayed at a constant 14.5v, regardless of speed or load.

I figure it’s the alternator, but looking for input.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by mrtoner

A few days ago I started hearing an occasional squeak. It sounded like a pulley bearing, so I planned to find what it is this weekend.

But today, I noticed my dash volt meter stayed at a constant 14.5v, regardless of speed or load.

I figure it’s the alternator, but looking for input.

I honestly never pay attention to my volt meter so don't take me as a source of truth but in theory your speed and for the most part even load shouldn't really impact voltage as that is maintained by the regulator which regulates voltage outputs of the alternator for constant supply.. ..This is why if RPMs increase, the voltage does not surge.

Personally I think you either have a bad belt or another pulley has bearings going out. I don't think I've ever heard an alternator squeak..

[WhiteMale]

for a 16 test your battery and alternator, I assume both are OE and if so are 8 years old now. If it's charging in an acceptable manner it won't as you noticed be pegged out at 14.5v constantly.

[ctrlz]

The voltage reading will vary from 10.5 to 14.5, but it may take a bit of driving until you see it move.

The alternator output is controlled by a single wire directly from the ECM, which alters the duty cycle. this is a relatively simple part of the larger "power management system."

[mrtoner]

Originally Posted by WhiteMale

for a 16 test your battery and alternator, I assume both are OE and if so are 8 years old now. If it's charging in an acceptable manner it won't as you noticed be pegged out at 14.5v constantly.

Battery is less than a year old; alternator is original.

[mrtoner]

Originally Posted by ctrlz

The voltage reading will vary from 10.5 to 14.5, but it may take a bit of driving until you see it move.

The alternator output is controlled by a single wire directly from the ECM, which alters the duty cycle. this is a relatively simple part of the larger "power management system."

Yeah, I mention the constant 14.5 because it has always varied from 11 - 14.2 in the past.

[GreyGhost702]

Originally Posted by mrtoner

A few days ago I started hearing an occasional squeak. It sounded like a pulley bearing, so I planned to find what it is this weekend.

But today, I noticed my dash volt meter stayed at a constant 14.5v, regardless of speed or load.

I figure it’s the alternator, but looking for input.

I sit at 12.0v the majority of the time. I see voltage tick up at night more, I assume because all the lights are on. I only see 14+ rarely and for short duration.

I would test your battery first, it's the easiest. A legit load test. If that checks out, it'll suck but the alternator would be the next to test.

Even with passed tests, I've still had alternators that were funky and would pass. For $250 I'd throw a new one in if the old one comes out. Don't core it right away, just in case you find there was a shitty ground somewhere or frayed wire, in the event it's still pegged.

[The Maverick]

Originally Posted by mrtoner

But today, I noticed my dash volt meter stayed at a constant 14.5v, regardless of speed or load.

Did you have your headlights on? That will keep the output pegged about right there.

[Val Walkinshaw]

Just a comment on the voltage part.

One of these photos is what a normal battery looks like throughout the day when you start and drive the car. The other photo is what your battery does when it's plugged into a tender and going through the first initial phase of desulfurization. As you can see, fluctuations above 14 are very very common.

[Val Walkinshaw]

You can buy this little battery analyzing device on Amazon for a few bucks. Here is a 7 -day synopsis of what my battery does. You can see the days I drive it. The days I don't. And the days that it just sits and charges.

This is a very good way to monitor your battery long-term throughout months or years to establish patterns or indications of when it's beginning to fail. I actually have this device on both my Trailblazer and my Camaro.

$30

https://a.co/d/hoQTyAv

[ctrlz]

Originally Posted by Val Walkinshaw

You can buy this little battery analyzing device on Amazon for a few bucks.

Very cool. This will be perfect for a Honda cr-v I just inherited. These have very high standby drain (according to the forums) plus the stop/start kills the battery. My aunt used this as the proverbial grocery getter and the 3 year old battery was toast from the stop/start

[redcoats1976]

went though this on my 5th gen.had battery and alternator tested at multiple shops after my car suddenly didnt start one morning.jumped it off and it was fine.the system is either not charging and reads 12.5 or <14.7 when charging..i lubricated the hinges after noticing the interior light stayed on for longer than they should have and its still running fine over a year later.conclusion...these new cars are much different from the old iron.if it aint broke dont fix it,just keep a a watchful eye.do you drive long enough distances to charge enough where charging voltage drops?

[p47dman]

Belt tensioner pulley.

[steig166]

Hopefully not the alternator. Real PITA to change.