Alternator health

[brandonwh64]

Hey guys! This morning I was on my way to work when I looked down and seen my CEL and Battery lights here on. Well I took it to autozone and had the check the CELs. Well they were P1493, and P0117. From what he told me is that the codes are due to the alternator's output voltage. The voltage on the alternator is like 13.5< I know its suppose to be over 14V but what is the usual life expectancy of one that's putting out less that 14V

The reason I ask these questions is that I have to wait til I get paid to get a new or used (have a WTB thread) alternator. I am hoping it will atleast last but if not I will have to start asking to borrow a vehicle which I HATE doing.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Hey guys! This morning I was on my way to work when I looked down and seen my CEL and Battery lights here on. Well I took it to autozone and had the check the CELs. Well they were P1493, and P0117. From what he told me is that the codes are due to the alternator's output voltage. The voltage on the alternator is like 13.5< I know its suppose to be over 14V but what is the usual life expectancy of one that's putting out less that 14V

The reason I ask these questions is that I have to wait til I get paid to get a new or used (have a WTB thread) alternator. I am hoping it will atleast last but if not I will have to start asking to borrow a vehicle which I HATE doing.

The next time you go to AutoZone to have codes scanned, just write the code down and walk away. These codes don't have anything to do with the alternator. P1493 has to do with emissions equipment and P0117 means the engine coolant temperature sensor signal is too low. I'd suggest looking at, and possibly replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor and/or thermostat.

 

[norcal_drifter]

unless your alternator is under 10v its fine.... dont give them your wallet!!!

 

[brandonwh64]

Hmm thanks guys, yea its kinda weird that the battery light and CEL came on at the EXACT same time?

 

[Shake_Zulla]

I could see how pulling a P0117 someone could think that it's the alternator not producing a high enough voltage , however, it's a bit of a long shot. I would clean all your connections on your alt and bat and see if that helps.

 

[brandonwh64]

I could see how pulling a P0117 someone could think that it's the alternator not producing a high enough voltage , however, it's a bit of a long shot. I would clean all your connections on your alt and bat and see if that helps.

I have read that code P0117 can lead to code P1493 and both codes are related to low voltage. Im starting to think I will just replace the alternator (just because i have no idea how old it is) and see if that fixes anything. If anything I wont have to worry about an alternator again for a while.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

I have read that code P0117 can lead to code P1493 and both codes are related to low voltage. Im starting to think I will just replace the alternator (just because i have no idea how old it is) and see if that fixes anything. If anything I wont have to worry about an alternator again for a while.

That's a lot of work for just a hunch. Why don't you at least check your coolant temperature sensor first? Testing the sensor, replacing if necessary, and replacing the thermostat should take 15 minutes.

 

[brandonwh64]

That's a lot of work for just a hunch. Why don't you at least check your coolant temperature sensor first? Testing the sensor, replacing if necessary, and replacing the thermostat should take 15 minutes.

I can check that as well but would that make my battery light come on as well?

Also I would like to mention that the sensor is less that three months old. Do they really go out that fast?