2000 Grand Am SE V6, 189000 km- alternator dying?

Tiny
DRVALLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
I recently was told by my mechanic that the alternator was what was causing noise on start up of the car. He told me it was still safe to drive and not causing any further damage to the car at this time. Is it really safe? Will the alternator making noise necessarily mean the battery will be drained? The gas gauge and speedometer, and radio lights are dimming occassionally as well- I'm assuming this means the battery is starting to go however there seems to be no problem starting up the car (other than noise).
Monday, February 12th, 2007 AT 2:35 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
BOOTDOG
  • MECHANIC
  • 665 POSTS
It wouldn't hurt to replace the alternator, if it's making noise. The noise you're probably hearing is the bearing which will eventually need replacing anyway. As long as the volt meter gauge is around 14 to 15 volts or as long as the battery warning light is not on, (depending on which one you have), you're ok. Take it to advance auto they'll check your battery and charging for free. Good luck :)
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Monday, February 12th, 2007 AT 3:46 PM

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