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I just installed a brand new alternator in my car. The output voltage is just above 2V regardless of engine RPM. The exciter voltage from the battery is A-OK. The previous alternator had the same problem. I can not stress enough that neither alternators could generate more than 3V since this problem emerged. Thus the cause should be something else. Any ideas? Suzuki Swift 2003

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  • Welcome to Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair! Not sure on the Swift, but your alternator may be regulated through the ECU. If so, it could be your ECU which is causing the issue.
    – Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦
    Oct 8, 2022 at 17:05
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    Sounds like a bad ground for it or a poor connection in the wiring.
    – narkeleptk
    Oct 8, 2022 at 18:17
  • I second possible main engine ground issue. A well known YouTube repair shop was the second choice after a dealer replaced parts at around $1200. Problem returned. This repair shop videoed most of his diagnosing/troubleshooting, found a severely corroded engine ground strap. Electric pwr steering, electrical problems, you name it - the dealer unable to determine the problem but happily billed the owner for a poorly serviced vehicle. As soon as the engine ground strap was replaced with a 4 or 2 gauge insulated ground cable, every problem disappeared. Dealer reimbursed owner (video shaming?)
    – F Dryer
    Oct 8, 2022 at 19:48
  • Thank you very much for all responses, I will thoroughly examine all connections and check the grounding as well
    – Dan
    Oct 8, 2022 at 20:27
  • How are you testing the voltage? Have you disconnected the alternator from the battery?
    – HandyHowie
    Oct 9, 2022 at 8:11

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