1992 itasca sunrise front alternator

[Itasca55]

Ok this last weekend I drove in the dark all lights on and back coach batteries were pretty low. I switched it to dual so back batteries would charge also going down the road . When I could hear a funny sounding hum / ring . It wasn't sound of loose belt it was different more of a hum / ring sound . put it back to dual off and sound was gone . Also I have noticed front batty charges but not really to full charge like it should a couple weeks back . Would I be dealing with a weak alternator. gauge on dash witch is pretty vage . Says 12 v going down the road . front battery is about 3 year old Interstate battery.
never left me stranded but I think somethings up with it . Any info would be great .

Itasca55

[Itasca55]

Gjac wrote:

Itasca55 wrote:

gbopp wrote:
I'm not sure what is causing your problem. First, make sure your battery terminals and ground wires are clean.
Have the batteries checked to make sure they are in working condition.
Start looking for the problem with good batteries.

I think it was a silinoide acting up I clicked it a bunch of times .
and everything tested good 14 volts with engine running . gremlins .
But now I need to run coach batteries down a bit and test it again if it makes that strange hum/ring . Do silinoides make any funny noises beside clicking when under heavy charge load ? Like if there not used very much sitting for years with only being click couple times a year . ?

Itasca55

I would start at the battery terminals and see if you get 14 plus volts. If not check out put directly at the alternator and again look for 14 plus volts. Then check both sides of the solenoids. If you read 14 plus volts at the alternator but not at the batteries your wiring terminals needs to be cleaned or solenoids and bad. You should hear a clicking sounds when they engage I never heard a humming noise. You should read the same voltage on each side of the solenoid when they are engaged(after they click).

Thanks for the input . I will clean it all up all connections . and check voltage on both sides of silenoid because my last trip all worked perfect 300 miles . I could charge batteries and everything . Even the voltage meter on front dash read 14 volts when engine was running and when charging coach batteries .
I think Im battling to much sitting not enough use 😉 or sitting gremlins .

[Gjac]

Itasca55 wrote:

gbopp wrote:
I'm not sure what is causing your problem. First, make sure your battery terminals and ground wires are clean.
Have the batteries checked to make sure they are in working condition.
Start looking for the problem with good batteries.

I think it was a silinoide acting up I clicked it a bunch of times .
and everything tested good 14 volts with engine running . gremlins .
But now I need to run coach batteries down a bit and test it again if it makes that strange hum/ring . Do silinoides make any funny noises beside clicking when under heavy charge load ? Like if there not used very much sitting for years with only being click couple times a year . ?

Itasca55

I would start at the battery terminals and see if you get 14 plus volts. If not check out put directly at the alternator and again look for 14 plus volts. Then check both sides of the solenoids. If you read 14 plus volts at the alternator but not at the batteries your wiring terminals needs to be cleaned or solenoids and bad. You should hear a clicking sounds when they engage I never heard a humming noise. You should read the same voltage on each side of the solenoid when they are engaged(after they click).

[jyrostng]

BULLETLS1 wrote:
SIMPLEST FORM TO CHECK ALTERNATOR!, while engine running, disconnect neg cable from batt... if engine dies, BUSTED ALT!!!

Never ever ever ever do this on a newer vehicle. THOUSANDS of dollars damage if things happen just right.

[Itasca55]

gbopp wrote:
I'm not sure what is causing your problem. First, make sure your battery terminals and ground wires are clean.
Have the batteries checked to make sure they are in working condition.
Start looking for the problem with good batteries.

I think it was a silinoide acting up I clicked it a bunch of times .
and everything tested good 14 volts with engine running . gremlins .
But now I need to run coach batteries down a bit and test it again if it makes that strange hum/ring . Do silinoides make any funny noises beside clicking when under heavy charge load ? Like if there not used very much sitting for years with only being click couple times a year . ?

Itasca55

[BULLETLS1]

SIMPLEST FORM TO CHECK ALTERNATOR!, while engine running, disconnect neg cable from batt... if engine dies, BUSTED ALT!!!

[BTPO1]

bsinmich wrote:
12V is not high enough when going down the road. It should read between 13 & 14V.

X2, you might want to get the alternator checked. It's output seems to low. It may also just be the voltage regulator has gone bad. I don't know if you have an internal or external regulator but, a check of the alternator will tell you. JMO

[bsinmich]

12V is not high enough when going down the road. It should read between 13 & 14V.

[gbopp]

I'm not sure what is causing your problem. First, make sure your battery terminals and ground wires are clean.
Have the batteries checked to make sure they are in working condition.
Start looking for the problem with good batteries.