Would a higher output alternator solve my voltage problems?

Question

I have a 95 Grand Prix, anyone who has worked or owned one before 96 knows these cars act as if they have a draw on the voltage. Even when everything is turned off, once you stop, the turn signals blink slow and the heater slows. When everything is on full/high, it does the same thing, but my meter still reads 13.2 to 14 volts at any given time. I have a new alternator in it already and a new battery. I'm not sure what Pontiac was doing, but I was wondering if a higher capacity alternator would solve this problem. I've talked to countless shops and parts stores and they all say the same thing about the car, it's just a Grand Prix thing.

Answer 1

I doubt a higher amp alternator will really help you much. Once the engine is sped up the bigger alt will make a huge difference if the old one can't keep up, but you said your problem is when the engine is at idle. Instead try putting a new pulley on the alternator that is about half an inch to three quaters of an inch SMALLER in diameter than the one currently on the alternator. This will spin the alternator much faster when the engine is at idle and keep the voltage up and your heater and blinkers won't slow, or lights dim.

Answer 2

If the wiring harness was accidentally designed undersize, a bigger alternator won't help. The alternator's power has to travel through the wiring harness and be distributed to the accys, lights, engine, etc. Try this- when going down road at 40 mph with all accys on, do all the electrical items seem to starve for juice? If so, thats a wiring harness issue. At above 1500 RPM, the alternator is capable of putting out at least 65 amps. Thats plenty for most cars. Sometimes the wiring is designed on the small side, to keep the costs down. The designers bet on a short duty cycle, when all electrical devices are on at once. Higher output alternator won't help IF the resistance in the wiring harness is too high, due to design or age of car.

Answer 3

that's no longer the alternator. in case to procure a HO alternator then it both works or would not. that bypass's for any alternator. What you want is a capacitor. your operating your amp at a million,500 watts witch is pulling alot of ability from the battery at the same time as the bass hits, in case you purchase a 2 or 3 farad capacitor and twine it in sequence with the the battery and amp then which will settle on your light fixtures flickering and battery drain. you nonetheless would ought to have the battery bench examined because this difficulty has likely brought about it to start up going undesirable.

Answer 4

Change the pulley on the alternator to a smaller one. That smartens them right up. Same thing will happen with a higher capacity alternator. Just have to drive them a little faster in order to cure the problen.

Answer 5

actually its the transmissions resistance on the engine which cuases a 'bog' on the electric system. try putting it in neutral or park everytime you stop. OR you can replace everything in the car to make it run perfectly but really who wants to do that?