ThunderThighs

So I've been getting some pretty bad squealing lately (think stuck pig), however I've figured out that the squealing only really starts for like a second or two at start up in cold days, but mostly when say I have my heater on, 2 setting to full, when my rear defroster is on, and just yesterday when my headlights were on...
So I turn them all on at once, squeals, turn them all off, no squeal.
And yesterday during this squealing my "check gauges" light came on and the battery gauge was dead (all others were fine). So I turned it off turned it back on and nothing, but then fired up.
So I have a feeling my alt. is gonna kick the bucket soon but wanted to get some feed back.

rrich

Tighten the belt!

ThunderThighs

I was thinking that, but it just seems weird that it only squeals when I have things going like the defrost, heater, and even headlights! So I was thinking electrics you know, and maybe alternator.

rrich

When things are turned on, it draws the battery down faster.
Then the alternator has to work harder. If the belt's loose, it'll slip then.

XJamsoil

Agreed, let us know if this works.

ThunderThighs

Yeah haha I got the same speech from my dad. So I'm definitely going to try tightening it up tmw
And maybe add some belt dressing too

digger21

Don't add dressing. It doesn't fix the problem as much as hide it. If its slipping, figure out why and go from there.

rrich

no belt dressing - a good way to ruin a good belt.

ThunderThighs

Alright, I will hold off on the dressing then lol.
I really hope it is just a loose belt though, because it seriously sucks not being able to turn on the rear defroster, in winter, with out getting a horrible squealing.

XJamsoil

Belt dressing, be sure an keep an extra belt if you use that.

Dmb

Ok I'm having a similiar problem with my 98, but no squealing I turned it off then it wouldn't start, once I got it started by jumping it. Once it is running when I turn on accessories it drops the Roms down to nothing and starts miss firing and stalls. If I keep the cables on it, it runs perfect with the Rpms. Is this the alternator, battery or possibly something more serious?

Dmb

found out today that its my alternator so i am thinking about getting a 120amp alt in there.

Chickenfloss

If tightening the belt doesn't fix the problem, it may be the bearings in the alternator. Bad bearings = added drag, more alternator work = added drag, too much drag = belt not able to turn pulley and belt just sliding over a stationary pulley. Or your belt is just loose, or old to start with...or both.

JET3180

I too have been having voltage issues. It started about a month ago. Belt squealed a little...voltage gauge shows just above the red area..right on the line. Some days it will kick right up to 14 volts...some mornings it when started it will be around 10 volts, then after driving for a few minutes it will jump up, and then like today it just stays at 10, if I turn anything on...radio, blower motor, it drops down in the red...most start ups the check engine light is on, and since I have a 95, its obd1. I am guessing alternator, but have read it could be pcm/ecm as well...I tried tapping on the alternator today and it quit squeaking, but no volt change...