Generator Noise Diagnosis

Generator Noise Diagnosis

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Aids

Noise from a generator may be due to electrical or mechanical noise. Electrical noise or magnetic whine usually varies with the electrical load placed on the generator and is a normal operating characteristic of all generators. When diagnosing a noisy generator, it is important to remember that loose or misaligned components around the generator may transmit the noise into the passenger compartment and that replacing the generator may not solve the problem.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Start the engine, verify the noise can be heard. Compare the concern to a similar vehicle.
2. Inspect the generator, generator mounting, wiring harness, heater hoses, A/C lines or other accessory equipment that may be misrouted or be the cause of noise being transmitted into the passenger compartment.
3. Ignition OFF, remove the engine drive belt. Verify the generator, idler pulley and tensioner pulley spin freely.

• If any of the pulleys do not spin freely, replace the affected component.

4. Loosen all generator mounting bolts and ensure the generator is properly aligned. Tighten mounting bolts to specification, refer to Generator Replacement (V6) (Generator Replacement)Generator Replacement (V8) (Generator Replacement)Generator Replacement (LMM) (Generator Replacement)Generator Replacement (LGH) (Generator Replacement).

Repair Instructions

* Drive Belt Replacement ()for the 4.3 L engine, Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory (Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory) for V8 gas engines or Drive Belt Replacement () for the 6.6 L engine
* Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement ()for the 4.3 L engine, Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement - Accessory (Service and Repair) for V8 gas engines or Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement () for the 6.6 L engine
* Drive Belt Idler Pulley Replacement - Right Side ()for the 4.3 L engine, Drive Belt Idler Pulley Replacement (Service and Repair) for V8 gas engines or Drive Belt Idler Pulley Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 6.6 L engine
* Generator Replacement (V6) (Generator Replacement)Generator Replacement (V8) (Generator Replacement)Generator Replacement (LMM) (Generator Replacement)Generator Replacement (LGH) (Generator Replacement)