New Battery Dying
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: California
Do you mean a "Supercharger" sounding whine? I have that as well. I've had that since I bought the car a year ago. The whine is especially audible on hard acceleration and high rpm. I think in my case it is coming from the alternator
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: California
I had it tested at autozone, alt is bad. Its output was so low that the testing device couldnt register it.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 19,774
Likes: 3,781
From: California
Someone told me that the whine sound is a sign alternator is going bad. If that's the case than I'm going to let it die before changing it. So far I have no issues with power, so as the saying goes, if it ain't broke...
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: California
Hahahaha well thats living wild and I cant take that risk with my work especially when showing houses. Seems like an alternator job is next
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 19,774
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From: California
When I do my next oil change I will have my alt tested. If it shows the output is too low, than I will have it changed. So far I have no starting issues, battery drain issues etc. My 2006 Camry with 155K on it (14 years old) still has its original alternator! Knock on wood!
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: California
Just wanted to give an update about the sound, so far that super charger sorta sound is audible on startup and when its cold, the sound goes away when rpms are higher up but below 3k the sound is heard. I am assuming its the alternator itself making this sound, and I can do a video for reference so others can hear it too.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: California
So I will be purchasing a reman denso alternator from rock auto, they supposedly offer a 12 month warranty and a 79 core refund which isnt too bad. I will be attempting a diy for the alternator since many shops charge 700 lowest was 608 in rocklin and thats well.... enough to make me do it myself!! 
I will buy a trickle charger too so it can recharge my battery while I do the job in a day or two.
I will buy a trickle charger too so it can recharge my battery while I do the job in a day or two.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
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From: GA
A simple charging voltage test should be performed so that the root cause of the lack of battery power can be picked up earlier. Any auto store will do it for you for free. Or else get a simple charging test device (they are cheap) will also give you the same feedback.
For one, a battery will not fail, under normal running condition for at least 3 to 4 years minimum if the terminals are set correctly and the alternator is doing its job.
For one, a battery will not fail, under normal running condition for at least 3 to 4 years minimum if the terminals are set correctly and the alternator is doing its job.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 254
Likes: 45
From: California
A simple charging voltage test should be performed so that the root cause of the lack of battery power can be picked up earlier. Any auto store will do it for you for free. Or else get a simple charging test device (they are cheap) will also give you the same feedback.
For one, a battery will not fail, under normal running condition for at least 3 to 4 years minimum if the terminals are set correctly and the alternator is doing its job.
For one, a battery will not fail, under normal running condition for at least 3 to 4 years minimum if the terminals are set correctly and the alternator is doing its job.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 254
Likes: 45
From: California
Update, I got the alternator replaced with a reman denso and it starts up really quick amd hasnt died on me with a full day of driving. Also the weird engine whineing noise is gone.
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