alternator problems

speedjunkie · 08-10-2009, 10:55 AM

I got an upgraded (140a) alternator from IR Performance a couple months ago. It's been working great but now I'm having charging issues. I'm not sure that it's the alt because I haven't checked it at the terminals yet, but I'm only getting between 10 and 12v at idle now according to my turbo timer. It goes up to 13 to 14v at a few thousand RPMs but IIRC I had that at idle before.

I installed my stereo (didn't have one for a while) and new door speakers this weekend and when I went to start the car it was really low. I jumped it and let it run for a while. Tried to start it again a few minutes later and had to jump it again. I disconnected the stereo to see if maybe it was grounding itself out or something and see what would happen. It starts on it's own now, but just barely, and like I said, it's only getting 10 - 12v at idle.

I really hope it's only the main fuse or the security relay or something. I never really thought about it before but should I change the main fuse to a higher rating since the alt puts out 140a? I'm not good with wiring and stuff like this.

08-10-2009, 10:55 AM	#23
speedjunkie RCC Loves Me Not You Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 2,089 Rep Power: 20	I got an upgraded (140a) alternator from IR Performance a couple months ago. It's been working great but now I'm having charging issues. I'm not sure that it's the alt because I haven't checked it at the terminals yet, but I'm only getting between 10 and 12v at idle now according to my turbo timer. It goes up to 13 to 14v at a few thousand RPMs but IIRC I had that at idle before. I installed my stereo (didn't have one for a while) and new door speakers this weekend and when I went to start the car it was really low. I jumped it and let it run for a while. Tried to start it again a few minutes later and had to jump it again. I disconnected the stereo to see if maybe it was grounding itself out or something and see what would happen. It starts on it's own now, but just barely, and like I said, it's only getting 10 - 12v at idle. I really hope it's only the main fuse or the security relay or something. I never really thought about it before but should I change the main fuse to a higher rating since the alt puts out 140a? I'm not good with wiring and stuff like this.