Diagnostic Aids

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Noise from a generator may be due to electrical or mechanical noise. Electrical noise (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.

Fig 1: Generator Noise Diagnosis (Steps 1-9)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Generator Noise Diagnosis (Steps 10-13)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.