Is there a general consensus on what the alternator output should be? I know the service manual is supposed to be the bible for these vehicles but during my research I've seen numbers across the board.
Just as an example, Q45 tech states 13.2 V @idle is "normal", Jay says 13.8V+ and the FSM (EL -17) states 14.1 minimum
I want to get my voltages right before digging into this any further.
Today I put in a supposed "Hitachi Reman" spare that I had. I was on the very last step of the installation (connecting the battery) when I jiggled the terminals to check for a snug fit and the positive post was loose as a goose. Mind you this was the battery itself, the entire post was spinning it wasn't just the terminal connections. Pretty sure thats not supposed to happen so she also got a brand new battery today. After all that I'm sitting at 13.5-13.6 V hot idle. Obviously this is lower than ideal but I'm wondering if you guys considered it acceptable. I would be open to have the old alt tested to see if the battery was the culprit the whole time.... Not looking forward to swapping it back in but thats what you get for cutting corners/ skipping diag steps.
One thing to note, I did take the time to check out the cables and grounds, shes clean AF
Infinitiguy19 wrote: ↑Sat Apr 15, 2023 8:04 am
Active code 51 means engine stalls during driving.
Yes, I did see that code 51= engine stalling. I did not perceive any bogging/stalling when the fault occured. I first noticed the ACTSUS light/failsafe mode activating while cruising on the interstate. Hoping it's just an open circuit and not a damaged ECM as the diag tree suggests (FA-80). BTW re-checking ACTSUS codes comes up with 55. This was after 35 miles with the new battery and alt. According to this post by the previous owner that was a known fault. I assume this means I'm back to "regular" operating conditions?
Bingo! It was in fact also rising quickly on startup. It was cold and raining today (low 50s, high 40s), and I did not notice this happening at all. When the failure occurred last weekend the temps were mid 80s. Could this have an effect on the system based off of fluid condition/viscosity? I have not checked the coolers' condition.
The bypass screw and its lock nut were not the issue.
Thank you for the air bleeding and filter suggestions, this system is a lot to take in at once. I appreciate the guidance.... Will report back with findings.
I've decided to use ECUTalk to start and I bought the cable on their website. I believe you can emulate Win XP and other previous versions on Win10 in case you were worried about upgrading and compatibility. I assume you already have the USB drivers configured?
Q451990 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 11, 2023 8:53 pm
No1Dad wrote: ↑Tue Apr 11, 2023 5:55 pm
I've ordered a consult to USB adapter.
Which one did you order? I think mine is dead. Of course, it's getting plugged in to an 18 year old laptop running Windows XP, so we have multiple opportunities for problems.