Is my Alternator dying?

[ice745]

I have a '94 Toyota Camry 4cyl.

I have a voltage tester that plugs into the accessory port, it shows 6 voltages 11, 12, 12.5 labeled (Battery Test, Engine Off) and 13.5, 14 and 15 labeled (Alternator Test, Enging On). When I plugged it in with my car off, the battery was at 12 volts, which it said was low, 12.5 is labeled normal. Then I turned the engine on and drove it for a bit; the whole ride the voltage was at 13.5 which it says is low for the alternator, and sometimes dropped down ot 12.5 volts (labeled normal for battery). It rarely got up to 14 for normal alternator.

I have two amplifiers for my stereo, which I think may be why the alternator is dying if it is. I had them both turned off during the ride that I was testing the voltage. Is 13.5 volts good enough for an alternator, or should I replace it, or should I wait til it gets worse.. I don't want to get stuck on the road somewhere. Also any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I also noticed the car is starting to have a bit of a rough idle when I start it, I don't know if the problem could be related.

Thanks in advance, Russ.

[Brian R.]

Specs for your alternator are (idle to 2000 rpm):
At 77 F, 13.9 - 15.1 V
At 239 F, 13.5 - 14.3 V

Might also be your drive belts.

Check your electolyte level
Check your battery terminal connections
Measure your battery voltage with ignition OFF and all accessories off. Between + and - terminals at 70 F, the voltage should be 12.7 - 12.9 V. If the vehicle has been running, wait 5 min before testing the battery voltage.

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by ice745

I have a '94 Toyota Camry 4cyl.

I have a voltage tester that plugs into the accessory port, it shows 6 voltages 11, 12, 12.5 labeled (Battery Test, Engine Off) and 13.5, 14 and 15 labeled (Alternator Test, Enging On). When I plugged it in with my car off, the battery was at 12 volts, which it said was low, 12.5 is labeled normal. Then I turned the engine on and drove it for a bit; the whole ride the voltage was at 13.5 which it says is low for the alternator, and sometimes dropped down ot 12.5 volts (labeled normal for battery). It rarely got up to 14 for normal alternator.

I have two amplifiers for my stereo, which I think may be why the alternator is dying if it is. I had them both turned off during the ride that I was testing the voltage. Is 13.5 volts good enough for an alternator, or should I replace it, or should I wait til it gets worse.. I don't want to get stuck on the road somewhere. Also any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I also noticed the car is starting to have a bit of a rough idle when I start it, I don't know if the problem could be related.

Thanks in advance, Russ.

Hello ice745, sounds like the altenator is getting tired and not putting out the correct voltage. You could just replace the brushes in the altenator (if they are worn down and not making good contact)and that should correct the problem. The toyota dealership sells the brushes already installed in a holder.>>no soldering needed<<. the back cover is held on by3-4 nuts and the brushes are held in place by 2 screws. remove the old brushes and replace with the new ones. it could also be the voltage regulator going bad. it is located in the alternator right underneath the back cover. are you sure your tester is accurate? hopefully others will post their ideas about this problemGood luck fixing your car. . JOET/CAMRY

[Brian R.]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=166525