New Alternator Has problems Charging at Idle Options

[barterj]

Tonight while driving around boston, my battery light started to go on and off. I was like great, my alternator that i just got a week ago is a dud. BUT, the battery light was coming on when the engine rpms was over about 3.5k, ALSO the lights would get really bright, all the lights. My father told me he thinks its the voltage regulator from what i told him, which is in the alternator. Anyone have any ideas, looking for any second opinions and or agreement with what my father told me, thanks.

This post has been edited by barterj: Feb 17, 2011 - 6:32 PM

[barterj]

Sorry to pull this from the depths of who knows where, but I know I shouldn't make a bunch of threads on the same issue.

I am still having problems with my alternator charging. I have replaced it since I last got advice to what could be wrong, so no more voltage spikes to 18 volts , but now the newer one doesn't want to charge at idle. All connections are clean, belt tension is correct according to Haynes Repair Manual, new battery and negative lead(complete wire that connect battery to ground on the transmission and body above driver low beam), all fuses have been checked and none are blown.

Symptoms:
Idle(~800rpm) with a load; Headlight, heater on full and rear defrost on:
- Voltage output is 12.5-13 volts

Idle without a load; all accessories off
- Voltage Output is 14.5-14.7 volts

1100 rpms or greater with same load as stated above:
- Voltage output is 13.7-14.7 volts

1100rpms or greater without a load:
- 14.5-14.8 volts

Idk what to make of this, but its starting to really confuse me and make me think more and more that there is something very wrong with my car, but I'm not blowing fuses, so I think its safe to assume there is nothing wrong in the wiring.

Your alternator readings are ok, is your battery going flat or are you trying (hoping) to get different readings on your meter?

The idle reading with a load isn't okay, when I'm at a stop light all of my lights dim, including headlights, even the book states it should be significantly higher output than that at idle, 13.5-15.1 volts, it states that the voltage should drop, but then return to that 13.15.1 volt range.

I'm planning on getting a factory alternator and i'm going to attempt to get my money back for this one because non of the 4 I've had from Autozone have worked right

Just wondering, has anyone else ever had an issue like this?