Noisy Whining Alternator
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- This alternator on a Toyota, came in with the owner complaining of a whine under the hood. The whine would stop and start as I unplugged and plugged the alternator. The cause of the whine is a bad diode in the alternator. I've seen some of these whine for several weeks before failing completely.
Nothing wrong with a short intro. This video saved me going to a mechanic which would have cost a lot. Parts are so expensive now that I cannot afford to pay the price of both buying the part and having someone else put it on. it's videos like this that save people a lot of money. He didn't have to make this video, but he was nice enough to do so. Thanks for helping me.
a new bearing is like $5....
Lotta people assume it’s turbo or transmission - then they realise it was the alternator 😭
did you change your alternator?
@@junjungebutan843 yes I changed the alternator and it works fine no more noise.
@@JeriDro I'm pretty sure he meant the cost of buying and replacing the alternator as a whole.
Bam! There's the exact noise my car is making.
Thanks.
I'm so tired of mechanics looking at me like I've lost my FEMALE mind and telling me how they've been mechanics for 50yrs and such a sound doesn't exist... even when my car's right in front of them making it!
Appreciate the post!
Any half decent mechanic would tell you that’s not a normal sound
You Saved My Life! I thought had something messed up with my engine from being too low on oil or something. Unplugged that cable and the noise went away! I bought myself an alternator and slapped it back together and it's running nice and smooth again! Thank you so much! 👌
THANK YOU! Had this same noise and could not for the life of me pinpoint where it was. Thought it was the trans filter on my Chrysler van but you saved me a lot of stress
Was it intermittently? I got a 02 dodge that makes a sound like that when driving I think it’s the trans not sure
Alternator isnt bad just that once it hits a certain amount of miles it turns into a supercharger hence the whining noise
@@muffinpoop92 satire you shoukd probably get it checked out
whats that thang youre squeezin
@@muffinpoop92 it is for a bad alternator
mines sounding exactly like a supercharger, what should i do?
@@weareet3rn4l70replace it
This is exactly my issue. Thank you.
So what is the problem my friend i have the same issue is it mean bad alternator
Wanted to say thanks for posting this - I was running in circles trying to diagnose this whine. People had me convinced it was something with the transmission. 07 4Runner
I have same year 4Runner and my alternator making a similar noise and voltage is not consistent. Which alternator did you replace it with?
@@hikeroutpostwhat did you end up replacing it with?
@@mashedpotatoes5323 I found a local shop in Toronto that rebuilds alternators. They had one for my car that was already rebuilt using beefier components. I think I paid $180 and gave them the old one and it's been good so far, considering I also have a full time fridge that I use during summer.
I have a 2011 Tacoma V6 that has been doing that exact noise for last year, been trying to figure it out, now I know what to check, Thanks so much for the help!
Did you replace or just lubricante the alternator?
Wanna say thank you for helping me diagnose my car's problem. Once I found out and watched your video, I took it too the dealer who said that I made the correct diagnosis of what's wrong and saved $200. Thanks!
This too, was my exact problem. I had someone from AAA come take a look at it because my car was shutting out as I was driving home (lights, radio etc.); fortunately I made it home safe. I initially thought that it was ONLY the battery and set up an appointment for AAA to Bring and Install a new battery for me at a decent price. The mechanic performed a quick diagnosis and determined that it was my alternator failing. The reading came back as this:
SYSTEM TEST
CRANKING VOLTS: 9.41 V LOW
ALT. IDLE VOLTS: 12.79 V LOW
ALT. LOAD VOLTS: 12.08 V LOW
DIODE RIPPLE: 1.75 V HIGH
From what I understood, he explained that my alternator should at least have 13v. Next thing you know, BOOM, alternator died on the spot, he helped me arranged a tow within the hour to have my car dropped off at my nearby mechanic, in which they will perform a diagnostic and likely replace the alternator.
p.s. I recommend AAA to anyone who isn't mechanically inclined like myself, as they have been nothing but reliable and useful to me so far.
Insurance + Assurance (AAA) = Happy Drivers.
Good Luck.
Was the alternator the exact problem
@@taneishajohnson6797 Yes. The battery was fine. But I eventually replaced it several months later. (not due to issue stated above )
@@popshot5021 Wow you’re awesome you replied! I was taking a long shot with a 3 yr old comment lol. Thanks so much going through this same thing.
I was about to drive 40 minutes on a bad alternator. Thank you so much for saving me and my girls the hassle of being stranded. 👊
Agreed with the comments below. I was wondering what this sound was. You saved me time and trouble. I'm a handy mechanic (was gonna use a sethiscope to look for what this was) but you saved me the trouble. My 2001 Highlander has 230,000 so the alternator don't owe me nothing. Thanks man!
Ty
I have the same issue on my 2008 Tundra. Been like that for a few months now. I thought it was the power steering at first. Have to get it looked at this coming week.
07 Highlander here. This video helped me diagnose my issue! Thank you so much.
Thanks 🙏 for the video, I purchased and installed a refurbished alternator from
O’reilly’s and the new one I just installed was making that noise, I had no clue what it was, thought I did something wrong, but I unplugged it and the noise went away just like you show, I took it back showed them your video and they swapped it out, new one runs like a champ.
O'Reilly's refurbished alternators are very suspect, I'm on my 2nd and it's on its way out. $600 labor to remove & install unit on 09 Murano.
Omg thanks a ton! I'm having the same problem after changing the pully! It failed on me at idle and not at highway speeds. Thanks a ton for the unplugging test to confirm!
Hello that's my proplem after changing bully do you fix your proplem and how
freaking fantastic demonstration! Extremely helpful, too bad I found out after it died. that noise made me think it was something far far worse. but got her fix now! it was an 07 Tacoma V6 4.0L by the way.
I have an 08 doing the same thing
@@ozzy04paranoid same! 08 Tacoma. Now I know. What did you replace/upgrade with?
Man your a genius was looking all over for this noise did this same test and found my bad alternator thumbs up to you
I have a 2005 Toyota Prius with the same sound. I went to Toyota dealership and two other mechanics. They all said I would need a different engine/swap. Over $5000. God bless you for this video.
lol
Took a lot of videos but finally a video with the damn sound of a bad alternator. Yup its the issue with my truck. Thanks
Skip to 0:26 to watch the video and not a lame ass WWE Intro.
And stop it and 1:35
I honestly was desperately trying to skip that intro...
It would be even better without the hillbilly accent droning on.
Here is your like my good Sir.
😂😂
I just came here for the intro.
I realized this was the problem when the battery light came on and the noice went away! Good video!
I have the same noise in my car, I hope the problem only be a diode because the alternator have a LIN bus.
Didn't know that a diode can make the alternator do that noise. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for this. Have an alternator with the same whine.
Been trying to diagnose this whining from my 03 sequoia with the 4.7L V8 on cold starts and I’m almost positive this must be it cause it sounds exactly the same. Thank you for uploading this
Dave did you ever confirm it was the alternator on your sequoia? Mine is making the same whine sound
my 4.7 in my 06 4Runner just started doing the same. Have you found the fix?
@@Aguilaraxel320 it was my power steering reservoir. it was filthy and the screen inside was plugged. Once I cleaned it out and flushed the system and added new ATF and some Barr's power steering repair, the noise stopped after a few run arounds.
@@headhonchotj4794 on mine it ended up being my power steering reservoir. it was filthy and the screen inside was plugged. Once I cleaned it out and flushed the system and added new ATF and some Barr's power steering repair, the noise stopped after a few run arounds.
Well damn! My 2011 RAV4 just started making this noise and I was sure it was a developing tranny issue!! I'll be trying this test and scoping out alternators now!
Thanks for the vid!
Yours is the only video (I watched) to suggest that this whine is from a bad diode. I was all set to buy some bearings and tear open the alternator; instead I just bought a remanufactured Denso alternator. Thanks.
Thanks for this, I just tried the same thing (unplugging and plugging the connector) on my 2009 Rav4 and it's the exact same behavior. You can almost feel the strain of the alternator when plugging it back in too. Hopefully it's *just* the alternator at this point!
Was it just the alternator?
@@mashedpotatoes5323 yes
I started my motor up yesterday and it made this sound but then went after driving for around 30 seconds. The electrics have been playing up recently too so thought it was more than likely the alternator but after seeing your video im now certain. Thanks for your video buddy.
Thank you so much for this! I was trying to figure out what the noise was from my 08 xb and this was exactly what it was!
My Scion xB doing the same thing...and totally shut-off.
Mines been whining just like that for 8 years. Finally annoyed enough to replace it.
What was it ?the alternator
If your diodes are failing, you can take your car to autozone and have them do a battery test. The testing machine checks the diodes and if it’s making a noise like this they’ll fail the test like mine did. You may want to replace the whole alternator and voltage reg because switching out a single diode can be more difficult than replacing the whole alternator, which could very well be getting ready to fail anyways. It’s cheaper though.
I had to have my starter replaced about 3 years ago on my Corolla, except I wasn't 100% sure that IT was my starter that was the problem. The first thing I did though was to take the car to Auto Zone to have the battery tested (which I bought from them about 4 years ago prior to this). Their battery tester was showing that the battery had failed... but for some reason I wasn't convinced. And I didn't think it was the alternator either, as that seemed to be going strong (I had a bad alternator on a previous vehicle I owned, so I had some experience with that as well). Later on, when my starter did die, and I was now sure that WAS the issue, I ordered a replacement part online, and was able to get a local mechanic near my house to replace it relatively cheaply. My battery on the other hand, lasted for another 3 years, and I just recently had it replaced. So I don't know if AutoZone purposely uses testers (or has them set up in that way), but they more often than not test batteries (and possibly alternators too) as "going bad" when that is not really the case.
My car died. Same model Camry, same noise. Very helpful, cheers.
Thank you guys so much, my Rav4 just started doing this, helped me a ton!
Thanks dude, sounds just like my toyota is right now.
Ok..what's the problme here ..from which part in the alternator in this case??
Thank you for your diagnosis tip video. You saved me a couple hundred bucks!
Perfect. That's exactly what my whining noise sounds like. (Chevy Impala) Thanks for the video.
Brother you just solved my problem I was scared it was my engine thank you so much👍👍👍👍
same here. Thought my tranny was going out
Thanks! I thought the whine was from the torque converter, but this is more in line with the sound. Confirmed by plug/unplug. 08 4runner
Thank you for this vid! My camry is making this noise, but much softer.
I just now started having that same problem and I have a 2010 Camry. Can you tell me, what is the update on yours? What was the problem on your end and how much did it cost you?
@@charlesmaximus9161 I just sprayed the bearings with oil, and no more noise.
Same whistling noise on mine. It was the alternator. Multi-meter indicated no charge when running.
very informative. that solved the mystery noise. Thanks brother 👍
2006 Toyota Sequoia had a bad idler tension pulley causing engine whine when accelerating. (Not squeaks or other weird noises). Especially audible at lower speeds. Took a lot of research in the Toyota forums to find the answer. Replaced. Whine is gone.
Besides the noise was the voltage stable? I get the whine but my voltage is low so it's probably the alternator.
Heh this just so happened to be the exact same car I've got, great video. I just installed a junk yard alternator and it was whining and this video showed how simple it was to diagnose.
If you have a 2009-2012 genesis coupe 2.0T, replace your alternator. Even one from a junk yard whined exactly the same. Bad diode trio.
Also, it was having issues charging the car when the A/C blower was on full with the headlights
Thanks! Just diagnosed this on my 05 matrix. Going to put a fresh alternator on it and some pulleys while I have everything apart.
Cute, the intro was 98% of the video..
U are one funny ass hole 😂
Nah just half of it
Cute comment
@@vikingzteflon8404 Glad u approve... 🖕
@@bobsakameno6436 cute emoji 🤠
Thanks for the video this is exactly what I’m dealing with now
Thank you so much for a video diagnosis that was short, sweet and to the point. I only wish I had found it before I spent countless hours watching 12 minute long videos UA-cam Star wannabes only to get to the moment of Truth and find out that it was not the sound my car was making. Thanks again. 😉
thanks for video, whinning alternator confirmed!
So what is the problem my friend i have the same issue is it mean bad alternator
This video helped a lot just replaced my alternator
Did the Noise Stop After U Replaced It?
@@princesslilmama3428 yeah it’s the alternator going out. Just replace it and the noise will go away
Can U Email me ? I Have Other question About Since Im A Female lol .. princesslilmama38@gmail.com
I think it may not be the alternator even if you unplug it. Because when you unplug it you take the tension off of the belt so other parts are also off the tension besides the alternator. So it might also be a bearing that's making the noise
I will be checking mine soon, but bad bearings have a different sound.
So why does the noise stop when he unplugs it, and then resumes when he plugs it back in? Also, the bearings are considered parts or components of the alternator itself, are they not, as are the diodes? So would it be considered "too much work" for a person who is not a mechanic or mechanically inclined to replace individual bearings or diodes and just have the whole alternator replaced instead?
Thank you for the video. Bingo! This is what mine sounds like.
A two minute video with a 25 second intro and a 25 second outro. Interesting choice
Thankyou sir for the knowledge
But what did you do to make the noise go away? How did you fix it? Just replace the alternator?
My corsa utility has been making this noise all along . Thanks should get a new one soon as possible
Thanks TCAT, was worrying bout that noise. Exact same noise & car lol, only different color.
Damn you got some nice supercharger
You are the friggen man! Fixed my issue. I though my engine was done lmao
Great video, tommorrow i will check my alternator becxause i have the same sound
Jérôme jéje check your pulleys!!! Mine was a bearing on my idle pulley. Simple fix. Had nothing to do with the alternator
Ty sir. Exact noise my maxima is making. Btw. Tenn is cool. Went to Gatlinburg n met some of the best folks ever. Peace from so cal
Excellent informative video without any BS
Thank you Sir, sure enough that's what mine did too.
Mine is making a similar noise but with light smoke. Don’t know if it’s the water pump or alternator. Any suggestions? Could just be a bearing in either.
My vehicle has developed a hum at idle. It also will drain the battery flat if not ran for a few weeks. Can bad diodes also leak the battery down? The only other thing I can think may be causing the hum noise would be the power steering pump but the hum doesn't change when turning the wheel.
My 2011 Scion xB makes the same exact noise. I believe the alternator is bad I'm gonna go ahead and replace it with these belts
Mans got a supercharger in there
I'm surprised anyone for Tenn. has this level of diagnosis or understanding of a Toyota
I just change my alternator and now its fine thnx
dang it, i think mine is starting to go bad, and at a stage just before this...after replacing my headlight assembly and testing the lights etc...I heard this exact whistle noise (minus the extra grinding in the video)..it didn't make the whistle this morning, but i also have start-up and idle issues...great, add it to my list of things to do..lol
You got a free centrifugal supercharger
is there just push tabs to release the electrical connector or do i need a tool to test this ?
i am looking at a 2013 rav4 for sale that has a little whine that sounds like this and i dont mind replacing an alternator if that is the only thing that is making the sound...
Thanks for the video, found my fix.
Great video! Thanks
Sounds a lot like the AGT1500 gas turbine from an Abrams tank.
this confirms my problem. went out and unplugged my alternator, the noise stopped.
Um, just a quick hint. Hook it again if you go anywhere. Uh Oh - noise returned. Duh
I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma and is making some noise some say was the the transmission but i think is the alternator Bearing making noise I will replace the alternator but before i probably spray some wd40 and see what happens., thx for the video
Bruh I was like maybe my car model just was brought with a bad alternator and then this dude has the same exact car as mine 😭
How long can it run like this before it goes out and leaves you on the side of the road ??
I been a year since your comment, Now I have same issue with this noisy whining alternator.
Could provide me with your expertise, thanks.
I would expect ripple if it was a voltage regulator. Personally, didn't see any on mine, and it mostly occurs during high current which makes me think just the pully bearing.
My Corolla is making this exact same noise but only for 1-2 seconds after ignition, and the alternator was replaced 8 months ago.
So its hwining you say?
2022 here.. finally i anticipate my altenator died after look this video.. as soob as i hear that sound i replace it.. save time..
Hello! This is the same voice I have. The whole has been renewed and since then. After the swiveling of the rotating part, this sound became. They said it couldn't be corrected in this voice, I accept it. What do you suggest? Thank you very much in advance
Nice vid, exact sound my Tacoma just started making. Thanks a lot man
My Tacoma was not showing a check engine light so I’m not sure hooking it up at the dealer would help. If your vehicle is making this exact sound replace the alternator and you will be good.
matthew mcconaughey Working on cars. Alright alright alright
Hello! Hoping a smart person might be able to help me. Could an alternator still be the problem if this noise only occurs/is noticeable at speeds excess of 70mph? Would it affect the car being able to accelerate past 2500 rpm? This is the exact noise my car makes, but only after about 10 minutes of driving 70mph. Then, my car will not go faster and makes the noise until I put it into cruise control. Driving around town and under 60mph, it drive like a totally healthy car. Any sugggstions?
@ puff Daddy, did you solve the problem? What was the cause?
@@edwinalexander1170 he started driving 69 at the most and it never happened again
Mine Is similar but the noise gets quieter as the engine warms up, Is that the same issue? I want to take my Alternator out today to get It tested and replaced If It has gone bad but I want to get other peoples opinions before I do.
Jose Pina have you had any success? My Buick has the same issues
The Man nope. It has mostly gone away with the weather being warm so idk how I can test It now. But I did notice the noise wasn't as loud when I replaced a bit of the power steering fluid, I used OEM I got from Amazon
same issue with my accord. Did you find resolution ?
Kadir Rangwala in my opinion if you hear a familiar noise of a part failing And then your car makes a similar noise but only under certain circumstances I would replace that particular part anyway just to be safe
@@silasmcgee3647 I got it fixed. My power steering fluid was low. No more noise.
In my car it intensifies when I turn the steering wheel, and I suspect it might be the belt running the power steering-pump?
juiuffophiguo same bro. Mines too. What happened with your issue.
@@JD-oi2ql haven't gotten around to it yet :/ have you cheched the power steering pump itself?
So what did you guys end up fixing..?
Mines doing the same gets louder when I turn. 97' firebird manual
Mine is doing this with a similar noise but not as Lloyd. Can only hear it inside the cabin. Getting light smoke from the engine compartments. Not sure if it’s the alternator or the water pump. ??
It’s your power steering if it intensifies while turning the wheel. If it’s consistent with revs only then it’s the alternator.
Awesome video. Thank you. I could not find this in previous questions. Instead of having the engine running could I shut it off - disconnect the alt. connection - restart and see if noise is gone? I used a wooden yardstick placed on the alt. and cup the other end to my ear to pinpoint the whining noise. Thanks again. Sure be great to get an opinion before I have to buy a new alt. which I think is what is inevitable.
Hey TCAT Autotech, i have a 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. Now when i start it up theres not much of a whining noise but it is really loud like the bearings are going bad, but when i drive and accelerate to about 30-40 it starts whining like a wild child. I just replaced the alternator like 4 months ago and its making this noise, autozone told me it was a bad alternator. But after watching this video im suspicious that it could be the pig tail harness?? cause my harness piece that plugs into the alternator got destroyed when i was trying to take it out of the alternator, so its just the Pins connected to the alternator and electrical tape keeping them from touching and short circuiting. If i got a new harness would this problem go away? or should i use my Warranty and get another alternator and a new harness at the same time?
Can the alternator whines only when stepping on accelerator pedal ( while driving of course,)?
I have a whine that I had previously thought was the powersteering pump.. but now i'm thinking its the alternator. Would my alternator whine louder when i turn my steering at full lock?
This is what mine sounds like but every time I take it to the shop they all say it's perfectly fine. I am convinced my car is haunted.
The alternator will still charge and pass an alternator output test if they perform it. It should fail the diode test if their machine checks for it. Either way, if it quits whining when they unplug it, the alternator needs to be replaced.
@@ttcautotech thank you.
Did you try the ELD fuse. It's the alternators electronic load detector
Hey there. Thanks for the video. Do they also make a slight knocking noise also?
Yes
I have that noise but not as loud. Car runs great but noise more an annoyance.
How long before the alternator dies? Or should I just replace now..