Charging Question On 04 (fixing Probs One-at-a-time) Options

[StevMgn]

When the car is first started, the battery light on the dash stays on for a while, then goes off, usually after 3-7 minutes or so. I hooked up a voltmeter to the battery (which is new), and it hangs below 11v until the alternator kicks in. When it does, everything works like it should. The belt is pretty new and tension feels right. Connectors feel good too. Is there such a thing as a "lazy" alternator? I'm getting this car ready for my daughter to take to school, just getting everything sorted out before she takes it 5 hours away. BTW, the ABS problem turned out to be the LF wheel speed sensor.

[SRSONE]

just hooking up a voltmeter wont give you a complete test...you need to either take it someplace like autozone or another local parts store or your local shop..so they can do a load test on the alternator...

and check all the connections at the back of the alt...i remember some of the early endies having issues with the connectors at the alt

[StevMgn]

I took it to the shop and the load test passed. The alt works fine....when it works. That first 5 minutes is what's wierd. Like the voltage reg needs to warm up. Ever seen that pattern? I gonna try to get a really good look at that connector. If it's OK, I may just throw an a rebuilt alt in there and see what happens.

[SRSONE]

if it keeps turning on..it may be ok..i dont remember if the pcm turns on the alt as soon as the car is started...ill have to do some checking

[StevMgn]

It was the alternator. I found one in a yard out of an 08 with only 11000 miles on it. Basically OE new. You may consider this option before buying a rebuilt one which ultimately comes from an unknown source. Many of the mid-late 2000's Mitsu's use the same alt, so lots to choose from. This one was $95.00 shipped w/one year warranty. Not too bad to install. And the light goes out immediately!