So I have a 2014 Camry 2.5L with 107,000 miles on it and I recently have been hearing an intermittent alternator whine that increases with load when it does decide to appear. When the condition is present, unplugging the alternator wiring harness makes the noise stop instantly and returns as soon as I reconnect. Battery shows 12.8v, alternator output is 13.2-13.4 at idle whether or not accessories are on. Tested it at O’Reilly, tester says voltage regulator is bad. Vehicle has Platinum VSA until 130,000 miles, service manager said at 13.2v everything checks out as Toyota specs say 11v-14.5v is “normal”.
(11 volts??? Am I missing something here?)
He also mentioned that if my battery is charged everything is fine. I drive 90 mins open highway every day for work so I figured that even if the alternator is on the way out it would still charge with that long of a drive. Basically he said to call when I’m on the side of the road.
What do you guys think?
Is 11-14.5v really considered a good alternator?
The 11-14.5v spec is what I’m not understanding unless it has something to do with the fact that this alternator utilizes a decoupler pulley?
(11 volts??? Am I missing something here?)
He also mentioned that if my battery is charged everything is fine. I drive 90 mins open highway every day for work so I figured that even if the alternator is on the way out it would still charge with that long of a drive. Basically he said to call when I’m on the side of the road.
What do you guys think?
Is 11-14.5v really considered a good alternator?
The 11-14.5v spec is what I’m not understanding unless it has something to do with the fact that this alternator utilizes a decoupler pulley?