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In temps colder than 10 degrees ambient air my alternator squeals as if there is some sort of electrical interference. The dealer checked it and said this is a known problem between 1900 - 2400 rpms. It is the alternator that Ford uses and it happens in trucks, cars, all vehicles in similar weather. Has anyone had this experience and if so have you had succes with swapping the alternator. it is incredibly annoying. Thank you
Is it a whining noise like it normally makes only louder, or is it a mechanical squeal? I am assuming when it's that cold, you have the defrost on high, and possibly a window defroster or other elec loads on it. If you turn all these off does it quit making the noise?
it is an interference squeal, like holding a microphone too close to a speaker. Not the same squeal as if the alternator is going bad. At one point I thought it could be the cell phone, disproved that. Thought it could be the radio, disproved that. Thought it could be the heated seats, disproved that. Typically the defrost is not on. I have a 60 degree heated garage so the truck is starting warm.
I would take the belt off and grab the pulley and see if it moves side to side any amount. The only thing I can think it could be is the o.d. of the bearing spinning in the alternator housing when it's cold.