caterpill

iTrader: (11)

Ever since I had my little 04 peanut-eye, I noticed a "pulsing" in the dash lights. I didn't take it to the dealer because, well I was stupid. But once, I did get a loaner WRX and the dash lights were solid as could be, no pulsing at all. And there's even a very high-pitched noise that comes from the alternator when the engine is hot too. It's always been like that. I can hear it, but most people won't know what i'm talking about at first.

I was curious if anyone knows a reasonably-priced place to get an alternator tested, and trustable! (how much would it cost?)

OR, if some simple home-grown troubleshooting with a multimeter is possible? Do I pop the MM in AC mode and see if it shows something? I read in some kind of car repair magazine that usually, an alternator should not show more then 1 volt of AC... but most imports show more then 2 volts and it's ok. Or something.

Hopefully I don't have to chuck this alt out anytime soon.

Any info is greatly appreciated, not to mention any FYI's.

Thanks In Advance.

markpaco

iTrader: (3)

Why can't you take it to the dealer? You have a warranty right?

Otherwise, you can take it to Checkers (Yes, I know they suck). They can test it in the car for you.

ds baruuuuu

iTrader: (16)

put your meter to dc put it on the battery when running you should have at least 13v

PeanutWRX

iTrader: (12)

autozone.. Or us mulitmete and check the battery and if its at 12.5 then turn the car on and then put the multimeter on the battery again it shoud of jumped up some voltage.

iNfEk

iTrader: (33)

with the car off:

1. open the hood
2. put your DMM on DC
3. test your battery voltage
4. it should test about 12v or so
5. turn on the car
6. test from the alternator postive (red cap under the engine bay next to the intake manifold) to ground
7. you should have about 13v+ when the car is running.
8 if you notice that the voltage isn't consistant or the same amount as the battery when the car is on then the alternator is NO GOOD already

Jon

Mystic_88

No sorry I don't know how .(Just replying)

1tyme

iTrader: (38)

"dc electric" in halawa industrial.



brandon

JT-Sti2

Take it to Sears Automotive in Pearlridge/Ala Moana/Kaneohe whichever is closer...that way you can leave your car and shop at the same time or somethin

Patrick Olsen

iTrader: (1)

My thoughts exactly.

Pat Olsen

caterpill

iTrader: (11)

Well I have about 48k on the clock on my 04', but I believe the warrenty was til 30k. No extended here..

But actually, the alternator seems fine. I get 13.8-14v at idle, but I was just a bit annoyed by the "pulsing" of the dash light.. Mainly the odometer LCD. But I am able to see it through my LED parking light.

I guess it was a bit of paranoia on my part, but since I did drive a loaner WRX without this problem, it always bothered me. Hmm, it doesn't seem broke, but I guess i'll fiddle around and see what's up.

Thanks again for the replies, I really appreciate it.

UneducatedmeWRX

iTrader: (2)

i'm having some worries....sorry to bring this thread back up again... i've read the posts and i've tested my alternator and its running at about 12v... do you guys think my alternator is going bad?

caterpill

iTrader: (11)

If the car idles with 12v without the radiator fans going on, then I believe either your alternator is going bad, or something is sucking a lot of power.

My car starts off at 14.4v in the morning when I start it up cold, then drops off to about 13.9v when warmed up. When my a/c is on it drops to about 13.5, and when my radiator fan just kicks in without the a/c it fluctuates from 13.7-13.8.

So yeah try keeping an eye on the voltage. Maybe something is sucking up the juice?

Maybe try a multimeter in the morning. ?

rtakashi

iTrader: (17)

i think subaru's warrenty is 60k

rtakashi

iTrader: (17)

sound like your alternator is going. should run about 13-14 volts.
i would watch it... make sure it dosen't drop below 12 volts or it's going to run off your battery

UneducatedmeWRX

iTrader: (2)

thanks guys... do you think the warranty is void because of all stuff i got in there? amps...etc. bleh.... what a headache... anyone know where can i get a new alternator?