Do I need a new alternator?? 13.1 volts Help! (Toyota 4 Runner)?

[Sarah]

I have a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner.

I had been having trouble starting the car (especially on an incline/hill). I went to a repair shop 2 weeks ago and they used something called the "Interstate" to test the battery/starter/alternator. All showed up fine.

But, I STILL felt it was the battery and decided to have it changed today. Here's my question.

I am worried about being scammed by a repair shop, but after replacing the battery they tested my alternator and told me it was "on the borderline" at 13.1 volts when it is supposed to be 13.9 volts. (I think volts is the term used).

Does anyone understand this? I think the issue was with my battery (car runs A LOT better now).

I bought a new alternator just a couple of years ago (even mechanic said it looked like it had been replaced).

He tried to sell me a new alternator just because it was at 13.1. Can anyone give me any suggestions? Could it have gotten low because of the battery?

I can tell the car is driving with much more power now that the battery was changed. I don't want to have to replace the alternator if it wasn't needed. Like I said, on the "Interstate" test machine used two weeks ago, everything showed up fine.

Thanks for your help!!

 

[Mr. KnowItAll]

I agree with you.
Don't waste your money on something that's not broke.

Not yet anyway. You could get 5 more years out of it, or one week.

 

[wonderboy n]

yes you could have damaged it from the old battery which sounded like it was low on water or could just be age or cheap replacement . get a ohm meter < you can pick one up for around 10 to 15 bucks> with truck running turn on your lights, radio a/c with blower on high and check the battery for the votage if its still holding at 13.1 you can go longer if it drops to anything under 13. volts get a new alternator .

 

[bobweb]

You need another separate check of your alternator charging voltage. Why not have it done at your Toyota dealer since the test is free? Your Toyota dealer is acknowledged to be the repair shop that's most familiar with your vehicle. The charging voltage appears to be too low and you will most likely have continued problems if it is.