lilgription

Odd problem, and I’ve never had this issue with a vehicle in my 45 yrs of life. Upon starting in the mornings my 01 XJ will start squealing instantly and the “check gauges” light is on. I mean it’s loud, tapping the gas makes it ultimately 10x worse lol. So I have to cut the engine off. Sometimes I can restart and it’s gone. Sometimes it’ll do it once more. I’ve tried getting my wife to help every time I start to see if it happens and of course , you know it, it never will happen when I have the hood up and I’m waiting while someone else is starting it for me.
So..... that being said, with the check gauge light coming on during this I have to assume it’s the alternator not spinning, would I be wrong ? Anything else and the alternator should spin and not give off the check gauge light , right?
Hopefully one of you guys have had this happen as well

lawsoncl

It the belt properly tensioned? I'd take the belt off and spin everything by hand to make sure it all spins freely with no wobbles or noise.

TrailerTrash

this.
Without hearing it in person it is hard to say if the belt is squealing or if the alternator bearings are squealing.

The alternator on my XJ went out awhile back it was very loud and the voltmeter would dip down. So I took the belt off and the thing would barely spin and it sounded like gravel was inside.

318SixPack

Could be the air conditioner bearing going out and dragging everything else down with it.

lilgription

I loosened the belt this afternoon everything seemed fine. The alt did feel a bit tight to me when I spun it. I could spin it it with one finger but it was tight and took pressure. So I’m assuming it’s the bearings there crapping out , still charges fine but I’ve got one in the mail.

BlueRidgeMark

Stop guessing. Get a mechanic's stethoscope. Cheap. Easy use. Amazing in what one will tell you about... a lot of things.



By the way, the word is, "seizing", not "ceasing".

lilgription

Not guessing , I found the problem. The alt is tight to spin. It’s even smooth matter of fact. No noise to hear so stethoscope wouldn’t help.

RocketMouse

Yes...even if you found the problem this time.. I can't tell you how many times I've used mine on vehicles. Even my cheapie from HF has helped me track down little noises.

BlueRidgeMark

If it's too tight to spin, you'd hear it with the stethoscope.