I have a 2001 Olsmobile Alero GLS that i tossed a little system into.
It consists of:
-2 12" Kicker L5's
-Clarionn DPX11551 (1600RMS @ 2 ohms)
-4 gauge wiring (one run), 150 A fuse at battery
-JVC headunit
-JBL mids/highs
-Ect....
I have done nothing at all to the electrical. Stock battery/alt. No big 3. Just a run of 4 gauge. I installed a volt meter, and realized that on a daily basis, the car sits around 15v at idle, and drops to about 14.5 when bumpin at peak. Click on the photo below to see what im talking about. This photo was taken right after a cold start just a couple days ago.

I think this is really good, concidering everythings stock. Anyone else have voltage this high with stock equipment? If you upgraded your electrical, what brands did you choose, and where does your voltage sit with the equipment? Thanks for your input.

 

I'm thinking your voltmeter might not be very accurate.. ??!

 

using a multi meter i found out my 2004 sunfire at idle runs a 14.8. although i did do the big 3 with 0 gauge and i put in a optmia blue top

 

Yes, I assumed that at first as well. So I used a portable meter and tested directly at the battery, which gave me pretty much the exact same numbers

 

That does seem a bit high for a stock alternator, you may want to keep an eye on it to make sure your regulator isn't letting go, or you could just be lucky and have a beefy stock alt. I'm not familiar with what alternators Oldsmobile uses...

/shrug

 

I agree. I just went through this problem. Voltages were higher then normal, then one day my alt starting putting out 17v and killed my walmart battery. Hopefully yours doesnt die and leave you stranded somewhere.

You might be lucky and the voltage regulator could be accessible from the outside of the alternator. Its probably in side making you replace the whole thing.

 

i'd have it checked at a GM dealer...I worked on GMs for 10 years and normal, running, idle voltage should be around 14-14.5 volts (allowable is 13.5-14.5...with 15 being the upper limit)...so your's is at the limit. Any higher and we would replace the regulator/alternator as needed. make sure they do a full diagnostic throughout the rpm range to map the voltage and current output...that's when you usually find that the component is not working properly (under load and at high rpms).

 

Yea, i keep an eye on it on a daily basis. I never see it go much higher than 15v. Its been like this for many months now, and it hasnt been going any higher. Im using a canadian tire battery w/ 7 year warrenty, so im good to go upon anything happening to it If i notice it going any higher than 15v, ill look into making changes. My amps lovin it tho
Thanks for the heads up.