altenator problems

[Heintzman]

Have a 2003 Corrolla and the altenator is putting out 30 amps, when tested at idle and the person said it was low output. The new altenators say they are 80 amp altenators. Is my altenator wearing out? Do I need a new one? The Volts and Diodes read that they were good, just low amp output. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated? Thanks.

Jim

[TrdSpeed140]

you're probably going to need to just replace the alternator

[drjay1116]

I agree, 30 amps is barely enough to run headlights and the stereo
no bueno.
Get an alternator from pep boys or one of those places, they normally give you a lifetime warranty(incase its a malfunction in one of the circuits).

[Heintzman]

ok, cool, I sure appreciate the comments. I just wanted to run it past someone else before I spent $130.00 on a new alternator. I'll swap it out tomorrow. Thanks again

Jim

[Heintzman]

I had a shop load test the alternator and it was just fine. I never had any issues with lights dimming or gauges having issues. So, I took the new alternator back to Auto Zone and got my money back.

[karazy]

I'm not suprised that it tested good. Alternators rarely put out their full power at idle. That is why the idle is increased when the AC is turned on. That extra 200RPM, or so, makes a big difference.

I also think that 80 amps is just bad math. They're actually rated at 960 watts. The 80A is if you divide by 12V, but the output is actually 14.5, or higher. This makes it closer 60 amps , or so.

[Heintzman]

yeah, that's way beyond my knowledge base. Just glad I got the shop to test it, I was about to just replace it myself, still costing me $130.00 for the part. Thanks again for all the input, Merry Christmas

[drjay1116]

glad we could help!