Alternator ???
#1
Anyone here with loud aftermarket sound system? Help.
I have a question about my car(2002 Nissan Maxima SE) or alternator(aftermarket HO 160Amp). I have a permanent volt meter inside my car monitoring my electric status due to my audio install, I've noticed that when I'm on the highway at high speed or when at high idle, normally above 2,000 rpm, the voltage drops, below 12.6v and the battery and brake lights start to blink on and off on the dashboard, even with my radio and complete system off. What is happening?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Last edited by argenis69; 08-01-2013 at 09:57 AM.
#2
When the battery and brake lights come on, that means that the alternator is not charging.
There isn't a lot that you can do for an alternator that doesn't charge. Check that the belt is good and tight and not glazed and slipping. Check that the thick wire on the alternator is secure and tight and check that the connector with the 2 wires is plugged in all the way.
There isn't a lot that you can do for an alternator that doesn't charge. Check that the belt is good and tight and not glazed and slipping. Check that the thick wire on the alternator is secure and tight and check that the connector with the 2 wires is plugged in all the way.
#3
with the car idling, put a voltmeter on batter positive and battery negative. if it reads under 13ish volts, alternator is probably on its way out. sounds like it is if youre getting 12.6 on the highway, should be 13.5-14.4
#5
maybe somethings up with the internal voltage regulator in the alternator when youre at high speeds? albeit on the highway you would think a bad voltage regulator would overcharge the system but i suppose undercharge is possible
#7
The voltage regulator is a printed circuit board mounted inside the alternator, you would have to first remove the alternator and then open it up.
But the voltage regulator board is unique to a make & model of the alternator. So few people repair their own alternators that internal parts are difficult to find for even the stock alternator. And since you don't have the standard alternator, you will probably have to contact the manufacturer for this.
When you open the alternator up, be prepared for the brushes to fly out. They probably won't fly out of the alternator case, but they might. Depends on exactly how the alternator is made. And depending on how the alternator is made, the voltage regulator board may or may not require wires to be un-soldered for its removal.
While buying a new or rebuilt alternator is more expensive, it is easier. You do have to have a few extra skills to repair an alternator. While my experience makes me think that the voltage regulator is bad, I don't know how to test it to be 100% sure.
If you want to be brave and go and buy the voltage regulator and do the job yourself, go ahead. But based on your posts, I think that you'd be in over your head.
But the voltage regulator board is unique to a make & model of the alternator. So few people repair their own alternators that internal parts are difficult to find for even the stock alternator. And since you don't have the standard alternator, you will probably have to contact the manufacturer for this.
When you open the alternator up, be prepared for the brushes to fly out. They probably won't fly out of the alternator case, but they might. Depends on exactly how the alternator is made. And depending on how the alternator is made, the voltage regulator board may or may not require wires to be un-soldered for its removal.
While buying a new or rebuilt alternator is more expensive, it is easier. You do have to have a few extra skills to repair an alternator. While my experience makes me think that the voltage regulator is bad, I don't know how to test it to be 100% sure.
If you want to be brave and go and buy the voltage regulator and do the job yourself, go ahead. But based on your posts, I think that you'd be in over your head.
Last edited by DennisMik; 07-16-2013 at 02:25 AM.
#11
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#16
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#19
only advice i have is do NOT get a rebuilt Napa alternator. i (against my will) usually end up installing rebuilt ones at work, and i would say over half of the alternators end up failing within 6 months. if you have the money get a new alternator
#21
#23
I rather trust used oem than new aftermarket. Obviously new oem is the best.
#24
it really depends on the rebuilder. Mass rebuilders like cardone, world, Excel Automotive and Wai use a lot of reclaimed parts which have been run thru hot wash and glass beading which tend to weaken parts.
#27
Better batteries, more batteries. either way, it sounds like reliability isn't high on your list of wants, so just try to find a shop that has a good reputation, or send the alternator out to be built and tell them what you're doing with it. be prepared to pay for it.
#28
Ok, thanks. Anyone here with a loud aftermarket sound system on a Maxima? Any opinions or help on what to do to maintain good voltage while loud, no warning dashboard lights and no dimming lights.
#29
Example: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...k-PCX-30F.html
Not saying this is good or to buy it just an example of what im saying, do ur research and read reviews find a good one maybe this is right for you.
Last edited by DjHackStyle; 08-01-2013 at 11:37 AM.
#31
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