Bad alternator?

I've got a 2013 Tacoma SR5 with the tow package and 4.0l automatic.

Just replaced the original battery 2 days ago with a X2Power AGM (their SLI27AGMDP) and am typically only seeing 13.3 to 13.9 volts at the battery terminals (a voltmeter in the cigarette lighter reads the same). I always heard it should charge at 14.2 - 14.6 volts.

The Toyota dealer says it's right where it should be.

What is the correct output? Is there a way for me to check the alternator?

 

Sounds about right .take 10 of the same Trucks no doubt each truck will read different

Is your charge light on??

If your getting 13 to 14 VDC with a load

Are there any loads on the system when checking ??

I check mine with headlights and blower Motor on High if you have all kinds of music goodies crank that up and check your output .

Volt Meter to the battery works as good as any.

If you think your dealer is not truthful most autoparts will test your charging system

 

1GR-FE Charging
Charging System: Precaution, Parts Location
Charging System: System Diagram, On-Vehicle Inspection
Generator (For DENSO Made): Components, Removal, Disassembly, Inspection, Reassembly
Generator (For DENSO Made): Installation
Generator (For BOSCH Made): Components, Removal, Disassembly, Inspection, Reassembly
Generator (For BOSCH Made): Installation

 

There is no charge light showing. Typically, and it's only been a couple days now, the volts at start up are showing at about 13.75 - 13.9. As I drive they drop to about 13.3 - 13.5. That's with headlights and a/c. With no load, it stays closer to the 13.5 volts.

I took it to an AutoZone and this is what they got:
Alternator Test Results
Alternator Decision: NORMAL
Alternator Ripple: 0.0 mV
No Load Voltage: 13.55V
Loaded Voltage: 13.46V


I have the battery charging overnight using a battery maintainer to be sure I get close to a full charge on it. That eventually got the volts reading a bit over 14, so I feel like I'm actually putting a charge into it. I'll see how it looks in the morning.

Thanks for your help.

 

Since a full charge the other day, when the truck is first started the volts read 14 to 14.1 with no load. They slowly go down, settling around 13.6 to 13.75. With a load (headlights and fan) it's more like 13.3 to 13.4.
Is this enough to be charging the battery?

 

Sounds about right, what's the problem?

 

I think your fine . A loaded output of 13.46 is about just where it should be

If it really bothers you a local Alternator shop might be able to turn your alternator up .

Never having done it to one of these I am just guessing

It also might be what your using to measure the voltage has added resistance for what ever reason lowering what your reading .

Not everyone needs calibrated Fluke Meters

 

Well, there hasn't been a problem - I'm really trying to avoid one. Just want to be sure this new battery is being adequately charged...

 

I'm using a Klein CL800 meter at the battery terminals, and the voltmeter in the cigarette lighter matches the Klein.
I didn't know you could have an alternator adjusted - that's good to know.

Sounds like I'm worried about nothing, though, so I'll probably keep an eye on it and see how it holds up.

Thanks