Noisy Whining Alternator

This alternator on a Toyota, came in with the owner complaining of a whine under the hood. The whine would stop and start as I unplugged and plugged the alternator. The cause of the whine is a bad diode in the alternator. I've seen some of these whine for several weeks before failing completely.

[@robertbelieverinjesuschris8793]

Nothing wrong with a short intro. This video saved me going to a mechanic which would have cost a lot. Parts are so expensive now that I cannot afford to pay the price of both buying the part and having someone else put it on. it's videos like this that save people a lot of money. He didn't have to make this video, but he was nice enough to do so. Thanks for helping me.

[@JeriDro]

a new bearing is like $5....

[@nikko7507]

Lotta people assume it’s turbo or transmission - then they realise it was the alternator 😭

[@junjungebutan843]

did you change your alternator?

[@robertbelieverinjesuschris8793]

@@junjungebutan843 yes I changed the alternator and it works fine no more noise.

[@alakbar7870]

@@JeriDro I'm pretty sure he meant the cost of buying and replacing the alternator as a whole.

[@airfergz18]

Wanna say thank you for helping me diagnose my car's problem. Once I found out and watched your video, I took it too the dealer who said that I made the correct diagnosis of what's wrong and saved $200. Thanks!

[@MegaSnoopy211]

Bam! There's the exact noise my car is making. Thanks. I'm so tired of mechanics looking at me like I've lost my FEMALE mind and telling me how they've been mechanics for 50yrs and such a sound doesn't exist... even when my car's right in front of them making it! Appreciate the post!

[@bluewaffle323]

Any half decent mechanic would tell you that’s not a normal sound

[@Kirbofir24]

You Saved My Life! I thought had something messed up with my engine from being too low on oil or something. Unplugged that cable and the noise went away! I bought myself an alternator and slapped it back together and it's running nice and smooth again! Thank you so much! 👌

[@Barron5362]

Agreed with the comments below. I was wondering what this sound was. You saved me time and trouble. I'm a handy mechanic (was gonna use a sethiscope to look for what this was) but you saved me the trouble. My 2001 Highlander has 230,000 so the alternator don't owe me nothing. Thanks man!

[@chass6361]

Ty

[@KingDomsKingdom85]

I started my motor up yesterday and it made this sound but then went after driving for around 30 seconds. The electrics have been playing up recently too so thought it was more than likely the alternator but after seeing your video im now certain. Thanks for your video buddy.

[@AetheriusVEVO]

THANK YOU! Had this same noise and could not for the life of me pinpoint where it was. Thought it was the trans filter on my Chrysler van but you saved me a lot of stress

[@wyattclark9937]

Was it intermittently? I got a 02 dodge that makes a sound like that when driving I think it’s the trans not sure

[@kmpolk253]

Thanks 🙏 for the video, I purchased and installed a refurbished alternator from O’reilly’s and the new one I just installed was making that noise, I had no clue what it was, thought I did something wrong, but I unplugged it and the noise went away just like you show, I took it back showed them your video and they swapped it out, new one runs like a champ.

[@jazzatnight]

O'Reilly's refurbished alternators are very suspect, I'm on my 2nd and it's on its way out. $600 labor to remove & install unit on 09 Murano.

[@johnrenteria75]

I have the same issue on my 2008 Tundra. Been like that for a few months now. I thought it was the power steering at first. Have to get it looked at this coming week.

[@metwallikal]

Man your a genius was looking all over for this noise did this same test and found my bad alternator thumbs up to you

[@BadShadd1]

07 Highlander here. This video helped me diagnose my issue! Thank you so much.

[@Joe-qw6il]

I have a 2011 Tacoma V6 that has been doing that exact noise for last year, been trying to figure it out, now I know what to check, Thanks so much for the help!

[@jorgeardon1400]

Did you replace or just lubricante the alternator?

[@michaellent1301]

Thank you for this. Have an alternator with the same whine.

[@jeffreyfontenot5563]

Wanted to say thanks for posting this - I was running in circles trying to diagnose this whine. People had me convinced it was something with the transmission. 07 4Runner

[@hikeroutpost]

I have same year 4Runner and my alternator making a similar noise and voltage is not consistent. Which alternator did you replace it with?

[@mashedpotatoes5323]

​@@hikeroutpostwhat did you end up replacing it with?

[@hikeroutpost]

@@mashedpotatoes5323 I found a local shop in Toronto that rebuilds alternators. They had one for my car that was already rebuilt using beefier components. I think I paid $180 and gave them the old one and it's been good so far, considering I also have a full time fridge that I use during summer.

[@judoskeleton]

This is exactly my issue. Thank you.

[@lisagadour]

So what is the problem my friend i have the same issue is it mean bad alternator

[@gabrielgomez6898]

Alternator isnt bad just that once it hits a certain amount of miles it turns into a supercharger hence the whining noise

[@gabrielgomez6898]

@@muffinpoop92 satire you shoukd probably get it checked out

[@MichaelSE88]

whats that thang youre squeezin

[@gabrielgomez6898]

@@muffinpoop92 it is for a bad alternator

[@weareet3rn4l70]

mines sounding exactly like a supercharger, what should i do?

[@directcIan]

@@weareet3rn4l70replace it

[@SpeedStik]

Heh this just so happened to be the exact same car I've got, great video. I just installed a junk yard alternator and it was whining and this video showed how simple it was to diagnose.

[@samueltractorton2088]

Thank you guys so much, my Rav4 just started doing this, helped me a ton!

[@popshot5021]

This too, was my exact problem. I had someone from AAA come take a look at it because my car was shutting out as I was driving home (lights, radio etc.); fortunately I made it home safe. I initially thought that it was ONLY the battery and set up an appointment for AAA to Bring and Install a new battery for me at a decent price. The mechanic performed a quick diagnosis and determined that it was my alternator failing. The reading came back as this: SYSTEM TEST CRANKING VOLTS: 9.41 V LOW ALT. IDLE VOLTS: 12.79 V LOW ALT. LOAD VOLTS: 12.08 V LOW DIODE RIPPLE: 1.75 V HIGH From what I understood, he explained that my alternator should at least have 13v. Next thing you know, BOOM, alternator died on the spot, he helped me arranged a tow within the hour to have my car dropped off at my nearby mechanic, in which they will perform a diagnostic and likely replace the alternator. p.s. I recommend AAA to anyone who isn't mechanically inclined like myself, as they have been nothing but reliable and useful to me so far. Insurance + Assurance (AAA) = Happy Drivers. Good Luck.

[@taneishajohnson6797]

Was the alternator the exact problem

[@popshot5021]

@@taneishajohnson6797 Yes. The battery was fine. But I eventually replaced it several months later. (not due to issue stated above )

[@taneishajohnson6797]

@@popshot5021 Wow you’re awesome you replied! I was taking a long shot with a 3 yr old comment lol. Thanks so much going through this same thing.

[@Pete3Heat]

I just came here for the intro.

[@tylerpaine9788]

Thank you for your diagnosis tip video. You saved me a couple hundred bucks!

[@Yusuf.A90]

Omg thanks a ton! I'm having the same problem after changing the pully! It failed on me at idle and not at highway speeds. Thanks a ton for the unplugging test to confirm!

[@mohmadJO]

Hello that's my proplem after changing bully do you fix your proplem and how

[@erinblauvelt3853]

freaking fantastic demonstration! Extremely helpful, too bad I found out after it died. that noise made me think it was something far far worse. but got her fix now! it was an 07 Tacoma V6 4.0L by the way.

[@ozzy04paranoid]

I have an 08 doing the same thing

[@canderson2478]

@@ozzy04paranoid same! 08 Tacoma. Now I know. What did you replace/upgrade with?

[@TheBollockz]

Thank you so much for this! I was trying to figure out what the noise was from my 08 xb and this was exactly what it was!

[@CRoTN]

My Scion xB doing the same thing...and totally shut-off.

[@titusfive]

Yours is the only video (I watched) to suggest that this whine is from a bad diode. I was all set to buy some bearings and tear open the alternator; instead I just bought a remanufactured Denso alternator. Thanks.

[@justinmacumber]

Took a lot of videos but finally a video with the damn sound of a bad alternator. Yup its the issue with my truck. Thanks

[@poolguycoolguy1597]

My car died. Same model Camry, same noise. Very helpful, cheers.

[@joebanycarvajal8271]

I have a 2005 Toyota Prius with the same sound. I went to Toyota dealership and two other mechanics. They all said I would need a different engine/swap. Over $5000. God bless you for this video.

[@freedomman1981able]

lol

[@ckbilly9]

Thanks TCAT, was worrying bout that noise. Exact same noise & car lol, only different color.

[@jplee3]

Thanks for this, I just tried the same thing (unplugging and plugging the connector) on my 2009 Rav4 and it's the exact same behavior. You can almost feel the strain of the alternator when plugging it back in too. Hopefully it's *just* the alternator at this point!

[@mashedpotatoes5323]

Was it just the alternator?

[@jplee3]

@@mashedpotatoes5323 yes

[@AWrightTX]

Thanks! Just diagnosed this on my 05 matrix. Going to put a fresh alternator on it and some pulleys while I have everything apart.

[@donshilo2024]

I realized this was the problem when the battery light came on and the noice went away! Good video!

[@RDCST]

I have the same noise in my car, I hope the problem only be a diode because the alternator have a LIN bus. Didn't know that a diode can make the alternator do that noise. Thanks for the video.

[@MrTwyman]

Thanks for the video this is exactly what I’m dealing with now

[@spacecruisers]

Been trying to diagnose this whining from my 03 sequoia with the 4.7L V8 on cold starts and I’m almost positive this must be it cause it sounds exactly the same. Thank you for uploading this

[@Aguilaraxel320]

Dave did you ever confirm it was the alternator on your sequoia? Mine is making the same whine sound

[@headhonchotj4794]

my 4.7 in my 06 4Runner just started doing the same. Have you found the fix?

[@spacecruisers]

​@@Aguilaraxel320 it was my power steering reservoir. it was filthy and the screen inside was plugged. Once I cleaned it out and flushed the system and added new ATF and some Barr's power steering repair, the noise stopped after a few run arounds.

[@spacecruisers]

@@headhonchotj4794 on mine it ended up being my power steering reservoir. it was filthy and the screen inside was plugged. Once I cleaned it out and flushed the system and added new ATF and some Barr's power steering repair, the noise stopped after a few run arounds.

[@MrMrsregor]

is there just push tabs to release the electrical connector or do i need a tool to test this ? i am looking at a 2013 rav4 for sale that has a little whine that sounds like this and i dont mind replacing an alternator if that is the only thing that is making the sound...

[@theokool1736]

Thanks dude, sounds just like my toyota is right now.

[@Ryan96se]

My vehicle has developed a hum at idle. It also will drain the battery flat if not ran for a few weeks. Can bad diodes also leak the battery down? The only other thing I can think may be causing the hum noise would be the power steering pump but the hum doesn't change when turning the wheel.

[@morganmonticue5427]

Thanks for the video, found my fix.

[@isaacbilodeau2879]

Well damn! My 2011 RAV4 just started making this noise and I was sure it was a developing tranny issue!! I'll be trying this test and scoping out alternators now! Thanks for the vid!

[@Scottsman1992]

Hey TCAT Autotech, i have a 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. Now when i start it up theres not much of a whining noise but it is really loud like the bearings are going bad, but when i drive and accelerate to about 30-40 it starts whining like a wild child. I just replaced the alternator like 4 months ago and its making this noise, autozone told me it was a bad alternator. But after watching this video im suspicious that it could be the pig tail harness?? cause my harness piece that plugs into the alternator got destroyed when i was trying to take it out of the alternator, so its just the Pins connected to the alternator and electrical tape keeping them from touching and short circuiting. If i got a new harness would this problem go away? or should i use my Warranty and get another alternator and a new harness at the same time?

[@jesus_talks]

Skip to 0:26 to watch the video and not a lame ass WWE Intro.

[@NotMorganFreeman.]

And stop it and 1:35

[@gamercalvin]

I honestly was desperately trying to skip that intro...

[@katdeville]

It would be even better without the hillbilly accent droning on.

[@corelecs.a.9344]

Here is your like my good Sir.

[@williamstephan880]

😂😂

[@TOWNCARBUBBA87]

very informative. that solved the mystery noise. Thanks brother 👍

[@jjday7]

Mine is making a similar noise but with light smoke. Don’t know if it’s the water pump or alternator. Any suggestions? Could just be a bearing in either.

[@LM77va]

Perfect. That's exactly what my whining noise sounds like. (Chevy Impala) Thanks for the video.

[@imamirularief3639]

Thankyou sir for the knowledge

[@elevatedemotions4548]

Will a bad belt tensioner make alternator whine like this

[@hardkore360]

thanks for video, whinning alternator confirmed!

[@lisagadour]

So what is the problem my friend i have the same issue is it mean bad alternator

[@networkproblems8523]

Thanks! I thought the whine was from the torque converter, but this is more in line with the sound. Confirmed by plug/unplug. 08 4runner

[@artbarcelonajr4148]

Ty sir. Exact noise my maxima is making. Btw. Tenn is cool. Went to Gatlinburg n met some of the best folks ever. Peace from so cal

[@maxwellsmart2865]

I have a 2004 Tahoe that makes a noise that sounds like a air nailer. just once in awhile and for a couple of seconds, any ideas?

[@jcleonardo538]

This video helped a lot just replaced my alternator

[@princesslilmama3428]

Did the Noise Stop After U Replaced It?

[@jcleonardo538]

@@princesslilmama3428 yeah it’s the alternator going out. Just replace it and the noise will go away

[@princesslilmama3428]

Can U Email me ? I Have Other question About Since Im A Female lol .. [e-mail]

[@frankperez4648]

Brother you just solved my problem I was scared it was my engine thank you so much👍👍👍👍

[@bruceli9094]

same here. Thought my tranny was going out

[@riverrick08]

Awesome video. Thank you. I could not find this in previous questions. Instead of having the engine running could I shut it off - disconnect the alt. connection - restart and see if noise is gone? I used a wooden yardstick placed on the alt. and cup the other end to my ear to pinpoint the whining noise. Thanks again. Sure be great to get an opinion before I have to buy a new alt. which I think is what is inevitable.

[@whathappened2230]

Thank you for this vid! My camry is making this noise, but much softer.

[@cwebbhouston]

Same whistling noise on mine. It was the alternator. Multi-meter indicated no charge when running.

[@TooToughtodie98]

Excellent informative video without any BS

[@user-th3pe3eb6d]

Ok..what's the problme here ..from which part in the alternator in this case??

[@silkysifaka1908]

Thank you so much for a video diagnosis that was short, sweet and to the point. I only wish I had found it before I spent countless hours watching 12 minute long videos KZbin Star wannabes only to get to the moment of Truth and find out that it was not the sound my car was making. Thanks again. 😉

[@izyfication]

Great video, tommorrow i will check my alternator becxause i have the same sound

[@swatch0]

Jérôme jéje check your pulleys!!! Mine was a bearing on my idle pulley. Simple fix. Had nothing to do with the alternator

[@05warrengill]

Nice vid, exact sound my Tacoma just started making. Thanks a lot man

[@05warrengill]

My Tacoma was not showing a check engine light so I’m not sure hooking it up at the dealer would help. If your vehicle is making this exact sound replace the alternator and you will be good.

[@Dnasty1]

I have a whine that I had previously thought was the powersteering pump.. but now i'm thinking its the alternator. Would my alternator whine louder when i turn my steering at full lock?

[@brolyassasin8354]

My 2009 honda civic si sedan was making a whining noise like that one and just today as i was driving turn off on me , i try to start it back on but it wouldnt start back on , i had power and all but it wouldnt start , you think is the alternator that did that , my battery still give power to lights and all but car wont start

[@Defstonned]

What if the noise doesn’t go away after unplugging my alternator plug?

[@fix-itbrothers1477]

thanks for the video that helped a lot

[@raulcabronero5649]

ok so you unplug it? for test it because my car start doing the same noise today and do some lite smoke. so .. if i disconnected the car still running?

[@kickdowndoors4291]

2006 Toyota Sequoia had a bad idler tension pulley causing engine whine when accelerating. (Not squeaks or other weird noises). Especially audible at lower speeds. Took a lot of research in the Toyota forums to find the answer. Replaced. Whine is gone.

[@hikeroutpost]

Besides the noise was the voltage stable? I get the whine but my voltage is low so it's probably the alternator.

[@giczitamas9386]

Hello! This is the same voice I have. The whole has been renewed and since then. After the swiveling of the rotating part, this sound became. They said it couldn't be corrected in this voice, I accept it. What do you suggest? Thank you very much in advance

[@phazon0138]

You are the friggen man! Fixed my issue. I though my engine was done lmao

[@teravolt6113]

Sounds a lot like the AGT1500 gas turbine from an Abrams tank.

[@Db--jt7bt]

If your diodes are failing, you can take your car to autozone and have them do a battery test. The testing machine checks the diodes and if it’s making a noise like this they’ll fail the test like mine did. You may want to replace the whole alternator and voltage reg because switching out a single diode can be more difficult than replacing the whole alternator, which could very well be getting ready to fail anyways. It’s cheaper though.

[@alakbar7870]

I had to have my starter replaced about 3 years ago on my Corolla, except I wasn't 100% sure that IT was my starter that was the problem. The first thing I did though was to take the car to Auto Zone to have the battery tested (which I bought from them about 4 years ago prior to this). Their battery tester was showing that the battery had failed... but for some reason I wasn't convinced. And I didn't think it was the alternator either, as that seemed to be going strong (I had a bad alternator on a previous vehicle I owned, so I had some experience with that as well). Later on, when my starter did die, and I was now sure that WAS the issue, I ordered a replacement part online, and was able to get a local mechanic near my house to replace it relatively cheaply. My battery on the other hand, lasted for another 3 years, and I just recently had it replaced. So I don't know if AutoZone purposely uses testers (or has them set up in that way), but they more often than not test batteries (and possibly alternators too) as "going bad" when that is not really the case.

[@onismusphuti9735]

My corsa utility has been making this noise all along . Thanks should get a new one soon as possible

[@nickwalters6816]

Mine whines a little but i justtt replaced it i wonder if it was installed incorrectly but it basically means i need a new alternator??

[@stoichiometry147]

If you have a 2009-2012 genesis coupe 2.0T, replace your alternator. Even one from a junk yard whined exactly the same. Bad diode trio. Also, it was having issues charging the car when the A/C blower was on full with the headlights

[@williamhoward9493]

My Toyota Tacoma did that and the Toyota mechanic said it needed changing. I changed the alternator out with a new rebuilt one and still have the problem. Do you think the rebuilt one is bad?

[@timfullname4658]

Mines been whining just like that for 8 years. Finally annoyed enough to replace it.

[@RaulHernandez-qe2kv]

What was it ?the alternator

[@treyknight4052]

But what did you do to make the noise go away? How did you fix it? Just replace the alternator?

[@helij9365]

Anyone know what the background whistle/whine sound is when he pressed the gas pedal? My maxima is making the same noise.

[@thegingersnaps8075]

Thats the exact noise my 2006 solara camry is making!

[@tykenneth1]

So, is they a more conservative measure I can try before I bite the bullet and replace the whole thing? 07 FJ Cruiser

[@puffdaddy4537]

Hello! Hoping a smart person might be able to help me. Could an alternator still be the problem if this noise only occurs/is noticeable at speeds excess of 70mph? Would it affect the car being able to accelerate past 2500 rpm? This is the exact noise my car makes, but only after about 10 minutes of driving 70mph. Then, my car will not go faster and makes the noise until I put it into cruise control. Driving around town and under 60mph, it drive like a totally healthy car. Any sugggstions?

[@edwinalexander1170]

@ puff Daddy, did you solve the problem? What was the cause?

[@skatechatham]

@@edwinalexander1170 he started driving 69 at the most and it never happened again

[@lisagadour]

So what is the problem my friend i have the same issue is it mean bad alternator

[@suprafan246]

Hey there. Thanks for the video. Do they also make a slight knocking noise also?

[@brandondrew3679]

Yes

[@kennethbrianraagas453]

Isnt it the battery that has to be replaced? So the alternator wont do much force to get rid of the sound?

[@sunbird4391]

Can the alternator whines only when stepping on accelerator pedal ( while driving of course,)?

[@squelch6573]

Hey why is it when i rev mine up it goes away tho ?? The noise goes away ?? And it actually charges my battery as well but if im at idle and not driving it stops charging and the noise comes back loud ?? Does that mean it could be a belt ?? I just changed the alternator recently to ?

[@bob-pr8ye]

How long can it run like this before it goes out and leaves you on the side of the road ??

[@user-io9ui1ki1m]

I been a year since your comment, Now I have same issue with this noisy whining alternator. Could provide me with your expertise, thanks.

[@arymonem]

Great video! Thanks

[@slaternapier1640]

dang it, i think mine is starting to go bad, and at a stage just before this...after replacing my headlight assembly and testing the lights etc...I heard this exact whistle noise (minus the extra grinding in the video)..it didn't make the whistle this morning, but i also have start-up and idle issues...great, add it to my list of things to do..lol

[@LastCommodore]

My Corolla is making this exact same noise but only for 1-2 seconds after ignition, and the alternator was replaced 8 months ago.

[@camilojr23]

same noise my 08 tundra made , ran for about a month then completely went out

[@Ghosty_XIII]

So if I’m having this issue does this mean I need a new alternator? How do I fix it now that it’s diagnosed?

[@waynegriffiths5143]

Thank you for the video. Bingo! This is what mine sounds like.

[@jaredontv]

happened to my 2005 Rav4 today... I had to replace the alternator

[@joff1266]

What if it makes that whinning noise but only while driving and usually at 1,500 rpm

[@fjorge4014]

That’s exactly the sounds my Camry is doing now. I unplug and noise gone. How long until alternator starts draining my battery?

[@JenMarco]

I have that same noise coming from my car but the alternator is in the front on the left and the sound seems like it's coming from somewhere else. I'm stumped!

[@penguinmaster7]

this confirms my problem. went out and unplugged my alternator, the noise stopped.

[@mysticwine]

Um, just a quick hint. Hook it again if you go anywhere. Uh Oh - noise returned. Duh

[@84runner]

My 99 Toyota Landcruiser 4.7L has the same noise. I removed serpentine belt and spun the alternator pulley. It was very loud and grinding. Bearing is obviously bad. Can I replace just the bearing? Thanks

[@Barkingspider]

Jeffrey Mackey not if that's old. Better to replace

[@ThePollito25]

What was the solution, how did you remove that noise from your yaris?

[@YachtLife]

Replace ......the alternator