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Brownj09
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| Posted: Jun 03 2010 at 9:05am | IP Logged
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I own a 2001 Frontier XE. For over a year now, I have
been experiencing problems getting my alternator to put
out the correct voltage (which usually is around 14.7-15
volts) in order to power my truck and charge my battery;
instead it puts out practically the same charge as the
battery or a little more. (I use a multimeter to measure
the voltage when the truck is running.) But more recently
I have been hearing a whining noise coming from under my
hood. I assume that it was my belt going around my
alternator, but when I changed it I still did not get the
correct voltage coming from my alternator.
If somebody has experienced any of these problems I could
really use your advice.
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kavephish
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| Posted: Jun 03 2010 at 9:56am | IP Logged
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Sounds like you have already diagnosed the problem - probably your alternator. Take it out and bring it to an alternator repair shop to have it tested....however, I would recommend that you do not buy a rebuilt one, but tell them to replace the bushings and voltage regulator only (provided the windings look good). I have a Mazda alternator that was bad...a rebuilt one was $200.00, BUT when I asked how much to have the brushes and regulator replaced only the price dropped to $80.00.......looks like the extra $120 was for a good cleaning and a paint job on the "rebulit ones".
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2006 Frontier SE Crew Cab 4X4
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Jimmy54
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| Posted: Jun 03 2010 at 9:59am | IP Logged
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your whining noise could be your alternator itself, use a long handled screw
driver to use as a stethoscope and listen to the alternator and other pulleys
to verify where it is coming from.
the charge indicator light is in the instrument cluster.
most likely your alternator is bad causing a low output but I have seen loose
battery terminals do the same thing, also check the connections at the
starter.
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Brownj09
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| Posted: Jun 03 2010 at 10:19am | IP Logged
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kavephish: I took my alternator to autozone and they told
me that it was putting out 15 volts. However, when I put it
back on my truck I get around 12.3 volts. I checked the
wires coming from it and the continuity in the wires seem
good.
Jimmy54: What exactly is the instrument cluster and where
is it?
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Jimmy54
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| Posted: Jun 03 2010 at 10:31am | IP Logged
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your gauges in the dash. If the alternator checked out good check your
battery and starter to make sure they are clean and tight!
Also check your battery to make sure there isn't a bad cell in it
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frontierguy
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| Posted: Jun 03 2010 at 8:54pm | IP Logged
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Brownj09 wrote:
I own a 2001 Frontier XE. For over a year now, I have
been experiencing problems getting my alternator to put
out the correct voltage (which usually is around 14.7-15
volts) in order to power my truck and charge my battery;
instead it puts out practically the same charge as the
battery or a little more. (I use a multimeter to measure
the voltage when the truck is running.) But more recently
I have been hearing a whining noise coming from under my
hood. I assume that it was my belt going around my
alternator, but when I changed it I still did not get the
correct voltage coming from my alternator.
If somebody has experienced any of these problems I could
really use your advice. |
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Are you sure it is not your meter giving a false reading? Do you have to charge the battery or jump to start the truck. Have you checked the ground connections from the battery to engine?
__________________
'10 Altima SL
Traded 08 Frontier for 16 Frontier SV CC Long box, quite an upgrade. I do miss the 6 speed and Dynomax ex.
Nissan Technician 25 + years
2011 John Deere X720SE
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Brownj09
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| Posted: Jun 03 2010 at 9:13pm | IP Logged
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Turns out the diode in the alternator had went bad. Somehow
a wire coming from the alternator got grounded out causing
the alternator to go bad and blow a fuse (7.5A). So after
getting me a new one and wrapping my wires w/ elec tape,
everything was back to normal.
frontierguy: I knew somthin was wrong with the alternator
becuz when my truck was running if I undid a battery cable
my truck would die and I know that the alternator should be
able to power the truck on its own.
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Brownj09
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| Posted: Jun 03 2010 at 9:14pm | IP Logged
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By the way thanks 4 all of yalls advice
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frontierguy
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Master Mechanic
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| Posted: Jun 04 2010 at 8:34pm | IP Logged
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In this day and age, it is not a good idea to remove battery cables while running a vehicle. Too many controls units could be damaged doing that.
__________________
'10 Altima SL
Traded 08 Frontier for 16 Frontier SV CC Long box, quite an upgrade. I do miss the 6 speed and Dynomax ex.
Nissan Technician 25 + years
2011 John Deere X720SE
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Nissan Frontier Forums : Problems / Technical
Topic: Charging System problems
