Hey guys I was driving home to night and I noticed my lights were dimmer than usual and my scan gauge says it's only charging at 11 volts and the truck is idling at 900 rpm when it usually idles at 600rpm also I put 2 led strips behind the grille 2weeks ago if that has anything to do with it. Also the alternator is making a weird grinding noise. The truck is a 5.4 with 130k on it and has the stock radio. Thanks in advance, Clay.

 

Anyone?

 

I'd say all the signs are there. Put a voltmeter right on the alternator leads to verify, but with the griding noise as well id say its toast.

 

Alright thanks for the help and also is it safe to buy a remanufactured alternator?

 

If it is a daily driver buy the best you can afford.

 

Absolutely. I've got one in mine, and it is my DD. I'd say go for that one.

 

Well went ahead and bought an optima alternator. Was 156 dollars put it on the truck and she's runnin like a champ.