I recently posted a topic about Squeaking belt and I think it may be the alternator bearing squealing. I am thinking that the bearing could have something to do with why my volt gauge jumps around all the time. It nevers goes into the red areas, but it'* never above the 14v (charging), it always swings back and forth.

I was wondering if this is a normal thing with all volt gauges or if it may be related to my alternator.

also... I was just wondering... where is the "voltage sensor" and where does it measure the voltage at? ex. near the battery? or near the alt?

Voltage is measured either in the ICM or alternator.

As for not going above 14V.. it really shouldn't unless you are drawing a ton of power. How much of a swing do you see?

okay it goes... 8-mark-14-mark-18

If the car is not running it sits between the first mark and the 14. (slightly to the left) (battery)

If the car is running, usually it is between 14 and the second mark (slightly to the right). (charging)

It has been swinging from the "before starting position" to the "charging position."

It is no where near the sweep when you first turn on the car, but it is a lot more noticeable lately.

Pretend some of us don't have your gauge..

In volts..what are these left mark and right marks?

It does seem you have more movement than I would expect. Maybe take the car to an autoparts store that tests alternators for free and they can test it in the car.

Here is a crappy video from my phone, but it'* better than nothing.

http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=969058cb.flv

And here is when the car is off, showing just the battery voltage.

http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/a...=VoltGauge.jpg

Im kind of curious about the accuracy of the volt gauge on the 00+. There is usually as much as a 0.8 volt difference between my aeroforce scan gauge and the volt gauge in the DIC.

I don't mind it being off a little bit. But did you see how quickly it changes position?

I had no accessories plugged in or on. Either something else is drawing power, or maybe the alternator is on it'* way out.

Could the alternator bearing starting to go, make the alternator not charge as well?

Is the squealing because the alternator is rusty on the inside? maybe i could oil it?? << I doubt it, but I thought I would ask.

That looks exactly like an alternator is on it'* way out. Best and cheapest way to find out is take it to an auto parts store like AutoZone or Advanced and they will load-test it for free.