Bad Alternator?

[Kingfisher]

I just had a free test done on my battery, starter and alternator at a local oil change shop. Their results came back as follows:Battery: GoodSize 310 CCAInitial Volts 12.61VImpedance 12.59 mAvailable amps 256Battery temp 30 FStarterCranking Voltage NormalInitial 12.51 VAverage 10.55 VMinimum 9.27 VAlternator: Failed test(low charging volts)Idle resultsVoltage 14.11 VRipple P-P 232 mVCurrent N/AHigh RPM resultsVoltage 12.37 VRipple P-P 201 mVCurrent N/AThey recommended that I replace the alternator. I have had a couple of hard starts over the past couple weeks and the engine stumbled a bit while driving two days ago. Temps here have been in the 20 - 40 degree range the past few weeks. Does their recommendation seem correct or do you think it may be something else. Thanks in advance for your help.P.S. My Vibe is an 04 with 165,000 miles and the alternator, starter and battery are all original factory parts.

[lovemyraffe]

Wow, I surprised your battery is still working. The OEM battery was a little underpowered to begin with, but if the alternator is failing the tests I would start with that and wait until the battery completely craps out.

[Kingfisher]

Thanks...getting it replaced tomorrow.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Kingfisher »I just had a free test done on my battery, starter and alternator at a local oil change shop. Their results came back as follows:Battery: GoodSize 310 CCAInitial Volts 12.61VImpedance 12.59 mAvailable amps 256Battery temp 30 FStarterCranking Voltage NormalInitial 12.51 VAverage 10.55 VMinimum 9.27 VAlternator: Failed test(low charging volts)Idle resultsVoltage 14.11 VRipple P-P 232 mVCurrent N/AHigh RPM resultsVoltage 12.37 VRipple P-P 201 mVCurrent N/AThey recommended that I replace the alternator. I have had a couple of hard starts over the past couple weeks and the engine stumbled a bit while driving two days ago. Temps here have been in the 20 - 40 degree range the past few weeks. Does their recommendation seem correct or do you think it may be something else. Thanks in advance for your help.P.S. My Vibe is an 04 with 165,000 miles and the alternator, starter and battery are all original factory parts. Alternator Volltage reported as 14.11V; What is spec?

[zionzr2]

I think my alternator is on its way out as well.I need some further testing to confirm.

[cptnsolo77]

Looks like you have a bad starter. At least you took advantage of the free test to save you time troubleshooting. I replaced my starter last weekend & it was a fairly simple job. Good luck with replacing you alternator!

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by cptnsolo77 »Looks like you have a bad starter. At least you took advantage of the free test to save you time troubleshooting. I replaced my starter last weekend & it was a fairly simple job. Good luck with replacing you alternator!You have me confused. Who has a bad starter. I thought is was the alternator.

[Raven]

I don't see a problem with the numbers on any of your components especially the alternator, 14.11 volts is excellent. If you've got an '04 with the original wimpy battery, that's your problem right there. 6 years is a lot longer than most batteries last, even ones of adequate size.

[dgekiere]

i have to agree with raven your alternator looks good. if it was bad it wouldn't be putting out 14v, from the test results of the output having amperage n/a i am guessing the tech had the tool hooked up wrong because to get the battery above 14 volts while running it would show some amps being put out.

[zionzr2]

ok further testing seems that that my alt is on the way out.latest test showed that at low idle nothing on 13.8 volts and 30ampsAlthough the diodes tested good and the regulator tested good.Now why is everything re-manufactured and not new when shopping for a replacement?

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »ok further testing seems that that my alt is on the way out.latest test showed that at low idle nothing on 13.8 volts and 30ampsAlthough the diodes tested good and the regulator tested good.Now why is everything re-manufactured and not new when shopping for a replacement? Where have you looked to get a new alt?I sent you a PM to try to save you some $$$

[Water boy]

Alternator: Failed test(low charging volts)Idle resultsVoltage 14.11 VRipple P-P 232 mVCurrent N/AHigh RPM resultsVoltage 12.37 VRipple P-P 201 mVCurrent N/AHummmmm14.11 @ idle is very good.12.37 @ RPM is not good.Usually the opposite.Your battery is on borrowed time.I'd replace it as well, especially with winter comingDouble clean the connections.I've had good luck with Walmart and Auto Zone batteries.I've used Auto Zone for my remans as well as having my local re-builder make me one.I would also recommend you do Big 3.My 10¢ USD (0.101710 CAD)Inflation and all that.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by Water boy »Alternator: Failed test(low charging volts)Idle resultsVoltage 14.11 VRipple P-P 232 mVCurrent N/AHigh RPM resultsVoltage 12.37 VRipple P-P 201 mVCurrent N/AHummmmm14.11 @ idle is very good.12.37 @ RPM is not good.Usually the opposite.Your battery is on borrowed time.I'd replace it as well, especially with winter comingDouble clean the connections.I've had good luck with Walmart and Auto Zone batteries.I've used Auto Zone for my remans as well as having my local re-builder make me one.I would also recommend you do Big 3.My 10¢ USD (0.101710 CAD)Inflation and all that.You are quoting something from the end of '09..lol...

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »ok further testing seems that that my alt is on the way out.latest test showed that at low idle nothing on 13.8 volts and 30ampsAlthough the diodes tested good and the regulator tested good.Now why is everything re-manufactured and not new when shopping for a replacement? Remans are recycled.. You shouldn't consider this a bad thing.. ''latest test showed that at low idle nothing on 13.8 volts and 30amps''I don't follow here.. BUT, if you do go for a new/rman alt, I have one from these guys.. http://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/vibe.html in my Subaru, mine is a 140A unit though.. (vs my stock 60)