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Home >> Cadillac >> 2012 >> Escalade EXT >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1301 (Battery, Charging System And Starting System) >> Diagnostic Information and Procedures >> Generator Noise Diagnosis >> Circuit/System Testing
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Circuit/System Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 GMC Sierra, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2009 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Start the engine. Verify the noise can be heard. Compare the concern to a similar vehicle.
  2. Perform a charging system test. Verify that the generator is charging properly. Refer to Charging System Test .
    • If the battery is discharged, charge the battery.
    • If the generator fails the charging system test, replace the generator.
  3. Verify that the power steering fluid level is not low, if equipped. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (Without Hydroboost) or Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (With Hydroboost) .
  4. 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.
  5. Ignition OFF, remove the engine drive belt(s). Refer to one of the following:
  6. Verify the generator, A./C compressor (if equipped), water pump pulley, power steering pump (if equipped), idler pulley(s), and tensioner pulley(s) spin freely, and that the pully bearings are not loose.
    • If any of the pulleys do not spin freely, or has a loose bearing, replace the affected component.
  7. Start the engine, with the drive belt(s) removed. Verify that the noise goes away. Operate the engine for no longer than 30 seconds.
    • If the noise is still present, the generator is not the cause of the noise.
  8. Loosen all generator mounting bolts and ensure the generator is properly aligned. Tighten the mounting bolts to specification, refer to Generator Replacement (4.3L) , Generator Replacement (6.6L)  or Generator Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L) .
  9. If the noise is still present, replace the generator.
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