Voltage Waving Back and Forth
 

Recently I've noticed the voltage on my car is waving back and forth from 14-16(?) I don't remember exactly what the numbers are.. just in between the red part of the voltage meter and the middle.. So what do you guys think it is? I've heard from someone at work that it's either the belt or my alternator is going. I've also noticed that when music is playing and there is bass the lights dim very slightly. My amp is only drawing 370 watts. So what do you guys think it is? and how much would it cost to fix it.

$5,000 please send your money order to me at.........lol

We caqn't tell you how much to fix something when we haven't diagnosed it yet. in most cases, you can fix something for low $$.

Take a look at the belt, does it look chewed up, cracked or frayed?
Listen to the alternator while the car is running, does it sound labored or odd?

On the 00+ cars there is a ground under the rear seat by the battery. Many have found this to have been painted before the ground was attached, causing a poor connection.

As for the dimming with bass, you can see some of that with a stock radio. It sounds like your system is pulling a little more than the stocker.

and the stock amp only puts out 105 amps for an L36, and once the RPMs go below ~800 the PCM turns the generator field off because it just can't put out enough power at that low of a rotation speed

the belt loooks fine. But there is a high pitched noise, I'm not completely sure it was the alternator making the noise. But whatever it was it was making a high pitched noise. I'm looking to buy a new alternator now. Where should I look to buy one that is going to put out more amps than the stock one. I'm thinking I might be putting subs into my car in the near future. So, I'm thinking that a 160 amps would be sufficient enough. Also, could it be my battery?

I was looking at these alternators. Knukonceptz Domestic Alternator Intro

Also.. If I were to buy a new battery where will I be able to look to make sure that a new battery will fit? Since I'll most likely be buying online.

Take a look at RockAuto Auto Parts they should have a good selection, and great prices.

There alternators are only putting out the same amount of amps as the stock alt on bonnevilles. And.. how would go about finding a battery that will fit my car?

soo... does anyone know what the problem could be? I replaced the alternator and the problem is still there.

Does the problem happen with the radio off?

If it's steady between 14 and 16 I wouldn't worry about it much, as it will fluxuate depending on the alt. load. If it steadily drops down to 12-13 it might be time to look into rebuild or replacement

I just feel like something is wrong with it though because my lights still dim and everything when bass hits while listening to music, but the voltage is high.