Battery/Alternator problem

[cheetahcat79]

Hi all, I signed up here years ago but haven't been very active (sorry about that.). I wanted to get some input from more knowledgeable people about a problem I'm having. (2013 Sonic LT, 1.8L)

I went to start my car the other day and got nothing but clicks. When I had someone jump it for me it started right up. Once it's running, it stays running, but if it sits that's when I seem to have problems, like the battery is discharging.

I took it to Advance Auto and had the battery tested, assuming that was the problem, but the battery tested good and so did the starter, but the alternator was putting out high voltage, indicating a bad voltage regulator.

Does that sound like something that would cause my problem? Will a bad voltage regulator cause the battery to discharge the longer it sits (like overnight? It starts up again if I start it shortly after shutting it off)

I'm just looking for feedback, because I'm having someone replace the alternator for me and I don't want to go replacing one thing only to have it be something else. Will a bad battery cell cause the alternator to run too high of a voltage?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the ramble.

 

[6speedti]

What are the voltage readings? Voltage readings fluctuate under loads. My 2015 1.4 turbo fluctuates between 12.3 and 14.3 depending on load, and rpms.

 

[JTee2017]

Hi all, I signed up here years ago but haven't been very active (sorry about that.). I wanted to get some input from more knowledgeable people about a problem I'm having. (2013 Sonic LT, 1.8L)

I went to start my car the other day and got nothing but clicks. When I had someone jump it for me it started right up. Once it's running, it stays running, but if it sits that's when I seem to have problems, like the battery is discharging.

I took it to Advance Auto and had the battery tested, assuming that was the problem, but the battery tested good and so did the starter, but the alternator was putting out high voltage, indicating a bad voltage regulator.

Does that sound like something that would cause my problem? Will a bad voltage regulator cause the battery to discharge the longer it sits (like overnight? It starts up again if I start it shortly after shutting it off)

I'm just looking for feedback, because I'm having someone replace the alternator for me and I don't want to go replacing one thing only to have it be something else. Will a bad battery cell cause the alternator to run too high of a voltage?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the ramble.

The battery can still be bad. How old is it? Do you do a lot of short driving trips daily? Those things will not allow a battery to charge properly and to optimum charge which ages the battery quickly and can lead to a condition called sulfation.
When that occurs, the battery can develop internal intermittent shorts or just plain stress the alternator. The regulator will then attempt to compensate when the engine is running by running a high charge voltage. If the conditions continues, the regulator and alternator can be toasted.
Bottom line. . . if the battery is over 2 or 3 years old or if it sat on a store or shop shelf for a year before you bought it. . . . replace both the battery and Alternator. Because if you just buy a new battery or alternator, either can toast the other if both were compromised and damaged earlier. And the cycle will repeat. . bad alternator. . . cause over or under charge. . . . causes bad battery. Bad battery . .. causes. . and on and on.

One more thing. . . . the Alternator also receives input from the BCM [Body Computer Module] which monitors voltage and current demands as well as battery charge level. If the battery is not in good condition, the BCM [and possibly ECM] will be affected including turning the alternator on and off. Init's 'Off" state, the alternator might appear it is not charging.

 

[gnonne]

I'm with JTee on this one... Try a new battery.
I have three Sonics, all 2012-213. No bad alternators yet they seem to last forever these days in all cars. The computer does cycle the alternator on and off to improve mpg and performance, so that could be why the parts store test shows it is bad.

 

[cheetahcat79]

It's the original battery and original alternator. I bought the car new in November 2013.

Charging system test showed 15.02v under no load, and 14.58v loaded.

Battery was 12.68v, 511 cca, rated 500cca, at 160F. I jumped the car and had it running for about an hour prior to the test.

Thanks all!

 

[6speedti]

15 volts is high. I've seen that with bad batteries. Being the battery is the original I'd say it might be time to replace it. Don't touch the alternator unless you see something obviously wrong with it. My 2015 battery started to act up and my voltages spiked up to somewhere in the high 15's then it would cut out and drop to battery voltage under a load all the way to 11.5 volts. It would cycle up and them shut off. I replaced the battery, problem solved.

 

[cheetahcat79]

Ok, so a bad battery WILL cause the alternator voltage to run high? That's the specific thing I've been searching for an answer to all over the internet. ��

 

[JTee2017]

Yes. . see my detailed post earlier. . a bad battery will cause the alternator to charge with a higher voltage because the control module see the battery as low and therefore instructs the Alternator to charge with a higher voltage.
If you leave it with a bad battery too long. . the Alternator can be stressed and also then go bad. I explained all this in my earlier post . . .
Sure as heck am not going to do it again.

 

[cheetahcat79]

Yes. . see my detailed post earlier. . a bad battery will cause the alternator to charge with a higher voltage because the control module see the battery as low and therefore instructs the Alternator to charge with a higher voltage.
If you leave it with a bad battery too long. . the Alternator can be stressed and also then go bad. I explained all this in my earlier post . . .
Sure as heck am not going to do it again.

Sorry, I don't mean to be a pain! I appreciate the help, all of you!

 

[cheetahcat79]

So, just an update: Decided to replace the battery, which fixed the starting issue, but after having the alternator re-tested, the voltage is still too high (15.09 no load / 14.37 loaded) so I'm having the alternator replaced tomorrow. JTee2017, you were spot-on!

 

[6speedti]

Are those readings right after you installed the new battery? If so you have to realize that a new battery will sit on the shelf for a few months. You need to run the engine and let the new battery top charge. Then see what you get for a reading. How are you measuring the voltage? Where are you measuring the voltage from? A cheap volt meter can give you an inaccurate reading. Make sure the new battery is fully top charged and take your readings at the battery terminals. Use a good quality meter.

 

[cheetahcat79]

Are those readings right after you installed the new battery? If so you have to realize that a new battery will sit on the shelf for a few months. You need to run the engine and let the new battery top charge. Then see what you get for a reading. How are you measuring the voltage? Where are you measuring the voltage from? A cheap volt meter can give you an inaccurate reading. Make sure the new battery is fully top charged and take your readings at the battery terminals. Use a good quality meter.

I took it to Advance Auto and had them test it after I drove it around for a bit.

 

[Mark r]

80,000 and some change I did both as well.

 

[sarrm]

Are those readings right after you installed the new battery? If so you have to realize that a new battery will sit on the shelf for a few months. You need to run the engine and let the new battery top charge. Then see what you get for a reading. How are you measuring the voltage? Where are you measuring the voltage from? A cheap volt meter can give you an inaccurate reading. Make sure the new battery is fully top charged and take your readings at the battery terminals. Use a good quality meter.

I just replaced my alternator as it was making a bearing noise. Should I replace my battery as well? I believe it's never been changed. It's a 2012.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

 

[6speedti]

I just replaced my alternator as it was making a bearing noise. Should I replace my battery as well? I believe it's never been changed. It's a 2012.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

If you think your battery is showing signs of failure or if you have doubts about its age then have it load tested.
2012 is about the right time for a replacement but you will be surprised how long some batteries last. I had a 1979 Toyota Corolla and the original battery was replaced in 1988. That was in New York with cold and hot seasons. I'm in hot south Florida and batteries take a beating from the year round heat. I never got more than 4 years at best on any battery on any vehicle I've owned in Florida.

 

[sarrm]

If you think your battery is showing signs of failure or if you have doubts about its age then have it load tested.
2012 is about the right time for a replacement but you will be surprised how long some batteries last. I had a 1979 Toyota Corolla and the original battery was replaced in 1988. That was in New York with cold and hot seasons. I'm in hot south Florida and batteries take a beating from the year round heat. I never got more than 4 years at best on any battery on any vehicle I've owned in Florida.

Ok cool. I think I'll have it tested because it seems to be ok just dont want it to hurt my new alternator lol !!! Wow thats crazy. That's why Toyota will always be one of the best brands!

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[ib2loud]

So, just an update: Decided to replace the battery, which fixed the starting issue, but after having the alternator re-tested, the voltage is still too high (15.09 no load / 14.37 loaded) so I'm having the alternator replaced tomorrow. JTee2017, you were spot-on!

My 1.8 with 162k miles shows high voltage quite often. The battery is fairly new and it's always started just fine.