Squealing alternator
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: 1989 305 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 10 bolt
Squealing alternator
Hi all,
I've recently noticed that my factory alternator on my TPI engine emits a high pitch squeal when the ignition is in accessories mode, but engine not running. I can't hear it when the engine's going, probably due to engine noise. Should my alternator be making such a noise or should I get it checked out? I did have the alternator rebuilt 300 or so miles ago and the voltage output seems fine.
I've recently noticed that my factory alternator on my TPI engine emits a high pitch squeal when the ignition is in accessories mode, but engine not running. I can't hear it when the engine's going, probably due to engine noise. Should my alternator be making such a noise or should I get it checked out? I did have the alternator rebuilt 300 or so miles ago and the voltage output seems fine.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Hi all,
I've recently noticed that my factory alternator on my TPI engine emits a high pitch squeal when the ignition is in accessories mode, but engine not running. I can't hear it when the engine's going, probably due to engine noise. Should my alternator be making such a noise or should I get it checked out? I did have the alternator rebuilt 300 or so miles ago and the voltage output seems fine.
I've recently noticed that my factory alternator on my TPI engine emits a high pitch squeal when the ignition is in accessories mode, but engine not running. I can't hear it when the engine's going, probably due to engine noise. Should my alternator be making such a noise or should I get it checked out? I did have the alternator rebuilt 300 or so miles ago and the voltage output seems fine.
I believe mine does it also, but its not a squeal.
Its a High frequency buzzing of some sort
But, I can only hear it when the hood is up, and working
under the hood or around the engine.. And it only does it
when its 1/2 key turn or accessory mode like you said.
If you can hear it 10ft away with the hood closed, then
that's not normal in my opinion.. or even inside the car
with the engine off
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: 1989 305 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 10 bolt
Cheers for that. By the sounds of it I've nothing to worry about. You're right, it's more of a high frequency thing than a squeal. Do you know what it is in the alternator that makes the sound? I'm just curious more than anything.
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 10
From: Mooresville NC
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
ALTERNATIVE INFORMATION
It’s the electronics in the alternator oscillating.
.
Happy Racing !
— If people drove any slower
they’d be going backwards —
.

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