how long does an alternator last?
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
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how long does an alternator last?
Have an 05 psd 6.0. Put new batteries I. Her this summer just because I found a good deal on them. Alternator is original. Edge insight reads good voltage, around 12.5 to 12.7 depending in load. I'd like to replace my alternator before it even thinks of going south. I'm not running any electronics in the truck except the factory stuff. About how long should I have on this alternator? Have 65,000 on the clock. Any suggestions?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 649
Likes: 2
From: PA
I have an 05 with 82,000 miles on it and just had the alternator go south. It was reading about 9.5-10.5 and would stick around that so I threw a new one in and it reads around 13.75.
I believe alternators are one of those things that it is hard to put a life expectancy on, some will last the life of the truck and some may crap out in a year and a half.
The saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind
I believe alternators are one of those things that it is hard to put a life expectancy on, some will last the life of the truck and some may crap out in a year and a half.
The saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 159
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From: Wilsonville, OR
Mine has gone south also. I would never know it was going bad if it wasn't for the CTS, it keep giving me a beep alarm for low voltage. I charged the batteries and took it to Les Schwab's and they told me one bad battery. Took then to the dealer because two years ago I replaced both batteries and FICM, so the batteries had a 5 year warrranty on them. The dealer told me the alternator was shot at 62,000 miles.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Talked to an alternator repair shop yesterday about replacing the rectifier in my 2yr old alternator and they told me that if it wasn't for motorcraft alternators they wouldn't be in business. Sad Sad Sad.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 854
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From: Florida
What voltage would you say indicates a bad alternator? I recently got a CTS so I can check it now. Batteries are both new January 2010. When I first turn it on, voltage reads 11.1-11.3, then after starting and driving for a few minutes (at least 5-10) it slowly climbs to 13.1-13.4. It is the original alternator. It starts fine. The old batteries (advance auto) were bought by the original owner and had stickers indicating they were only 20mo old when they went. Do you think this alternator is going south? Thanks
Mileage 41K
Mileage 41K
Last edited by Sullid01; Dec 11, 2010 at 07:27 AM. Reason: forgot mileage in post
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
What voltage would you say indicates a bad alternator? I recently got a CTS so I can check it now. Batteries are both new January 2010. When I first turn it on, voltage reads 11.1-11.3, then after starting and driving for a few minutes (at least 5-10) it slowly climbs to 13.1-13.4. It is the original alternator. It starts fine. The old batteries (advance auto) were bought by the original owner and had stickers indicating they were only 20mo old when they went. Do you think this alternator is going south? Thanks
Mileage 41K
Mileage 41K
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Sounds good to me too. My factory alternator would very rarely hit over 13.5 volts at any time.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 675
Likes: 1
From: NV
A good battery should read about 12.5v with everything turned off. Use a voltmeter at the battery terminals. There are some good posts on testing batteries.
While the glowplugs are on (can still be on after dash light goes off) the system voltage typically reads about 11.5v.
When the alternator starts charging you should see 13.5-14v.
If you really are running at 12.7v you have a problem.
While the glowplugs are on (can still be on after dash light goes off) the system voltage typically reads about 11.5v.
When the alternator starts charging you should see 13.5-14v.
If you really are running at 12.7v you have a problem.
