delusion

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys, this problem started last night. I noticed a whining from the engine compartment but not sure where its coming from, it seems like the power steering because the noise became louder as i turned the wheel. I checked the psteering liquid & it was full. Then i noticed my voltage gauge reading in the beginning of the red line. I used my nifty scanmaster to watch my voltage, and it was below 12 in the 11.5-9 range as i drove home. Today, same noise, but the voltage was in the 10 range, and got as low as 8 (after 40 mins of driving), i got the check gauges light and the car ran on prayers pretty much. Luckily i got to work..

Anyways, i have a year old RED top optima so i doubt its that. This seems like the alternator to me, maybe it crapped and maybe its making that whine?

Tell me your opinions i am about to ship it to a shop i dont have experience with and dont want to get screwed.

Jon5212

iTrader: (2)

Your alternator is shot, get a new one. At idle you should see about 13.5 to 13.8 volts.

2_wacko

iTrader: (2)

Try tightening the battery terminals mine seems to do this once a year.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

A quick question. What do you monitor in HP tuners to see voltage. I know there is ignition voltage, but I don't think that's battery or altenator voltage.

BlackZ28629

iTrader: (8)

check terminals... check alt.