for some reason my alternators keep going on me. about every 3 months. here are my symtoms
1. my radar detector tells me how many volts are being put out from my cigerette lighter. my car puts out anywhere from 11.9-14.x it varies as i drive going up and down sporatically. it doesnt matter what accesories are on.
2. my battery and brake light go on and off, but always together.
3. all my lights (headlights/inside lights) brighten as i reach 2.5k rpms and above, and dim when its under.
im on my third napa alternator right now and its getting annoying. does anybody know whats up? wrong alternator? anything else it can be?
thanks!
jon

 

im not sure if our car has a voltage regulator, or is internally regulated by the computer...but that could be something to look into...

 

Id start by questioning your battery. A simple test is to put a volt meter accross it, with the car off and static. You should have very near 14 volts. Then turn on your high beams and watch the volage. You should not see it drop below 12vdc and typiclaly not more that a volt to volt and a half. An ever deeper load test can be done at most parts stores.
My thought is that your alternator may be carrying too much of a load, and that in turn is frying the alternator.
What other power drawing items do you have on the car?

Vince

 

so far everything is leaning to the ECU which does regulate the alt in this car. the battery was replaced twice along with the alts. and there isno load other then stock things. there were subs in the car from the previous owner and he only left the power cord running to the trunk. would that be able to screw with it?

thank you both for your replies!

 

Is this the Sedan or Coupe?
V