Charging at 12v

[Cletonius]

hi2u electronics forum, here's my story:

Last month the battery in my car died, so I charged it up and inspected the engine ground and alternator power leads. They were really bad looking so I got some new 2awg leads from a member here and installed them. The car cranks faster and seems to run smoother, but it's still charging at 12v. I replaced the voltage regulator in my alternator about 2 years ago right after I purchased the car.

The voltage is the same whether I test at the battery in the trunk or the output pin on the alternator. I'm guessing it's time to replace the alternator but I don't want to throw parts at it if there's something else that I'm missing. Suggestions?

[Gregs///M]

Considering you replaced your regulator and brushes, and your alternator still outputs 12V only, there is definitely something wrong with it and should replace it.

Alt should put out at least 13.5V at idle.

[Cletonius]

That's what I figured. Now to find a good used one, not throwing down on new.

[AndrewBird]

A new (reman) alternator is ~$80. Just get a new one. A lot of them even come with a lifetime warranty.

[Cletonius]

A new (reman) alternator is ~$80. Just get a new one. A lot of them even come with a lifetime warranty.

Oh that's not bad! I thought they would be more expensive than that.

[Cletonius]

You weren't kidding Andrew, got a lifetime warranty reman for $79.99 at O'Reilly.

Now I've got to wait for a new bracket that comes Thursday and I can get the car back on the road. Yay!