I have a 2003 Z. No aftermarket stereo, actually, nothing aftermarket at all as far as electrical system goes.

In May of 2006 I had the alternator replaced. Just yesterday I noticed my voltage needles going down to 12v and then popping back up to 14.xx volts peroidically. I took the car to autozone and then batteries plus and they measured my battery voltage, and the battery is good. They the measured the leads on the alternator and at times it would dip down to 12.5v or so and then just randomly kick back up to the 14.x range.

This looks like a tell tale sign of the alternator going out AGAIN. Does everyone agree? or should I check something else?

Thanks in advance,

Neil

 

i have the same problem with my '03. I had them hook the altenator up and check the outgoing ampage and it was fine. I redid the ground on my amp and it didn't help.... i'm just waiting for it to break so i can replace. Let us know if you figure it out?

 

Yeah, looks like its bad. I checked it and with A/C running, stereo on and the car ad idle the alt is only putting out 11.9v @ 30amps. Way too low.

 

Any chance the dip is from your AC turning on?

 

If i turn off the AC and all accessories, I see around 12.5v. When the car was acting normal I could turn on everything and it wouldnt dip past 14v. Well maybe for a second, then it would hold back up at 14v.

 

Just following up on those for those interested. It turned out to be the alternator. I replaced it this weekend (pain in the *** job) and the battery and charging system is working flawlessly now. Took me around 4 hours to do the job (with breaks here and there and a run to the parts store).

 

I'm about to replace my alternator and was wondering if you had any tips that can make this process easier.

 

a lot cheaper to have them rebuilt, no clue what it cost in your area, but here in the hills, i have had 2 rebuilt for $65 each, ran good as new!

 

I'm more or less looking for info on how to get the old one out. Will I need to remove the radiator or can I pull it out from underneath the car.

 

I am having the exact same problem except my ebrake light and battery light flash faintly whenever the voltage dips down. To replace the alternater, is it best to come at it from bottom?

 

Ok so I went at it this past week and let me tell you it was a pain in the rear. You have to remove the radiator fan assembly then go at it from underneath. it helps to have a copy of the service manual that is located somewhere around here. good luck

 

yup, radiator fan shroud has to come out, and the bolts on the back of the alternator were a pain in the *** for me. just take your time and have the right tools. Took me around 3-4 hours, but since ive done it now I could probably do it again in 1-2 hrs.

 

okay thanks guys. I'll get the service manual before I start anything. Hopefully this also fixes the faint flashing ebrake and battery light.