So about a year ago, I installed a CS-144 alternator in my 2001. It's worked great up until a couple days ago.

My door speakers had been cutting out in the middle of use, so I took the car to my audio shop, thinking there was a problem with my amp. They ended up finding out that my alternator was charging at around 18 volts. I haven't been able to find much on this issue, but I read that there's an external voltage regulator somewhere. Also, the audio shop said something about a bad diode in the alternator.

So my question is: does anyone have any experience with this? Is the voltage regulator something I can just swap out, or will I need a new alternator? And if the problem is a diode in the alternator, can that be fixed?

Thanks in advance!

Did you get a lifetime warranty? If so take it back. How did you splice the GM connector to the toy harness?

You can find them easy, just google it. I found my connector that way.

I'm not sure if I have a warranty or not, but that's a good idea. I'll go back to where I bought it and see if they have my info.

I haven't done one in a while, but you should be able to just replace the regulator and the diode pack. You have to take the alternator apart, but it's not a big deal. The parts are generally a lot cheaper than replacing the whole thing. You can also test the diode array using a basic multi-meter once you get it apart. There's also a third part in there called a diode trio (or something like that) that's cheap so I'd replace that while I had it apart.

Watch a bunch of videos on taking it apart. I'd remove it and have it tested at a parts store. If it's bad and under warranty replace it.

Do you have a multi meter? If so with engine running read voltage across the battery posts. See what you got. Above 14.7v is bad.

When you get back to up also answer how you made the alt connections between the GM Alt and the Toy harness.

The audio shop I took my car to was reading around 18v with the engine running. That was measured across the battery terminals. It already blew out my low beams, and it's been throwing my amp into protect mode.

It was just plug and play wiring wise. Getting the alternator in was a pain, but like someone stated above, there's tons of adapters. I found one for around $10, but I don't remember the website I used.

EDIT: I'm pretty sure I got the harness from this website. http://store.alternatorparts.com/wir...tyle-plug.aspx
I don't remember it being that expensive, but that looks like the correct harness.

That's some good advice, thank you! I'll research taking them apart and see about finding the regulator and diodes for a CS-144 online

I found my original receipt for the alternator. I bought it at Advanced Auto Parts, so I'm going to see if I can just exchange it rather than messing with taking everything apart. Thanks to everyone for their advice! I'll give an update when I've got everything back to normal.

yeah, good idea. I've messed with cs144's for years because I used to daily drive a 96 eldorado. I've replaced several and they arent as easy to mess around inside one as other alts. For instance, no external volt regulator you just unscrew and replace, but its still a well made piece of equip. The Eldawg has been sitting for a few years with a new alt in it...I may take it out and put it in the runner

Exchanging the alternator at advanced worked. I just had a shop switch them out because I didn't feel like working on my car in the cold. Now I'm doing a big 3 upgrade and switching to a deep cycle battery. Hopefully that'll be the end of my electrical problems for good!