high voltage issue 98 lesabre

[kmart2026]

Just noticed this the last few days, My 98 lesabre (184k) is charging at15 Volts, I haven't gotten to putting a multimeter on it yet, might be able to after work today if I still have light. I know this is usually a sign of a bad or going alternator. there is also rattling noise coming from that area off and on the last week or so. Upon starting the car the voltage starts low then goes up to 14-15, but it has done that for a long time now. I've put 110K on this car and haven't done the alternator yet. so does it sound like its time to do that?

 

[2000ltd]

Just noticed this the last few days, My 98 lesabre (184k) is charging at15 Volts, I haven't gotten to putting a multimeter on it yet, might be able to after work today if I still have light. I know this is usually a sign of a bad or going alternator. there is also rattling noise coming from that area off and on the last week or so. Upon starting the car the voltage starts low then goes up to 14-15, but it has done that for a long time now. I've put 110K on this car and haven't done the alternator yet. so does it sound like its time to do that?

I'd say to replace the voltage regulator but the bearing is also possibly bad. If you can confirm the noise is coming from the alternator than you can replace alternator. Otherwise just do the voltage regulator.

 

[kmart2026]

its either the alternator or the tensioner, but from this I believe its the Alternator

 

[2000ltd]

its either the alternator or the tensioner, but from this I believe its the Alternator

Did you try taking the belt off and check the pulleys?

 

[kmart2026]

Did you try taking the belt off and check the pulleys?

I haven't done that yet, probably going to be a weekend project

 

[02LTD2.0]

To charge between 14 and 15 volts is normal.
Your next step should be to have the battery load tested at AutoZone or O'Reilly's.
My 2002 routinely starts charging between 14.8 and 15 volts but settles down to high 13 volts after driving for a while.
I also agree with others that you should check your serpentine belt and replace if necessary.

 

[02LTD2.0]

I'd say to replace the voltage regulator but the bearing is also possibly bad. If you can confirm the noise is coming from the alternator than you can replace alternator. Otherwise just do the voltage regulator.

Voltage regulator is built into the alternator.

 

[02LTD2.0]

its either the alternator or the tensioner, but from this I believe its the Alternator

The alternator is doing its job.

 

[kmart2026]

Voltage regulator is built into the alternator.

Yesterday when I left work I cleaned the battery terminals. Negative has some corrosion. After that the gauge read 16 volts. Drove home (2 hour drive)and did some errands for another hour of quick stops. It stayed above 15 volts the whole time. Getting a new alternator today

 

[02LTD2.0]

Let us know how that works out for you. Unless it's boiling the electrolyte out of the battery I would leave it alone.