Hi Scotty. I have a 2007 Volvo XC70. I had the alternator replaced. The brand new alternator only puts out 12.9 volts at idle with a small load and 13.1 with no load. When driving, it will ramp up to 13.8 - 13.9 volts. Sometimes it spikes to 14.2 volts even with load or without load. Is this an issue I should be concerned about? What is the issue? Should I get the alternator replaced again?
Thank you for your help.
Your belt could be slipping. That would cause it, otherwise sounds like you got a bad unit. If you just replaced it then it should be covered under warranty.
Put a ratchet on the hub nut. If you can spin it with the belt on replace your belt or check your tensioner.
Thumpy, my alternator doesn't have a nut. But the belt is tight...I think it's just a bad brand of alternator.
There’s no nut on front of the pulley?
Do you know if you got a remanufactured alternator or a new one?
It could be as simple as a bad unit. Try replacing it with an OEM alternator and see what happens.
Mod_Man, it's a brand new alternator. Made by quality power but just recently, I heard they are junk so probably a bad unit.... going to have a brand new bosch put in I think.
That would be a good start. You would be surprised at the failure rate for certain alternators.