alternator output voltage

[SilverCruiser]

I have a 2001 PT Cruiser, whose battery has gone dead twice in the last few months. The first time, I replaced the battery with a new one. The second time, a car shop recommended a new alternator, so I had one put in. Well, a few weeks later, the battery went dead again. So we went to another shop and they discovered a 665 MA draw at the battery. Wen fuse No. 18 was pulled, the draw disappeared. I would like to know if an alternator output of 13.1 volts at 1500 rpm is within specs.
Did the shop who put the alternator in throw a part at the problem? Was my alternator good after all? Please help!!! Can someone please send me a link to the factory specs (on an alternator for the Cruiser)?

[crusierdad76]

There are some good tech's on here but usually a alternator putting out over 13 is good it is enough to run the car and keep the 12 volt battery charged Im not sure what the exact output should be but I don't think that at over 13 amps your battery should go dead

[SilverCruiser]

Thank you so much for posting an answer. We believe you're right. Also, we learned recently to pull the IOD fuse if we're not gong to be driving the car for 2-3 days, not 2-3 weeks like I've seen on other posts. and if you should happen upon a link for actual alternator voltage specs, please pass it on. we've been to a Chrysler dealer and the Parts. Dept. just gives us a verbal (maybe their testing machine isn't hooked up to a printer). They also say, though, that alternators on PT Cruisers are fairly bulletproof.

[R3dWhitNCrz]

Hello Silver and C-Dad,
I have been going through the same or very similar problems. My battery went dead in July, replaced it and now showing signs of going dead again. Went to shop and had oem spec (not mopar) altenator installed. My problems really occur when I have the A/C unit running at idle. My battery light comes on and car starts to idle rough. Went to dealership, they inspected, and thought it was loose belts...no same problem with A/C. Took back to dealer(same day) and they checked all voltages...all good (13volts) until A/C unit is turned on, then volts drop below 11. Battery light comes on and you get the idea. Then they said it was PCM that triggers the altenator. $800 part later still has same problem. The last I spoke with service manager, he was going to get used altenator from another PT and try it?? My Cruiser has been in shop for over a week, still no answer.

Let me understand you. Replace a fuse? And your problem was solved?

[SilverCruiser]

To R3D: We removed the #18 fuse. Apparently the mirror defrosters intermittently activate and they were draining the battery. It took 4-5 days to track the problem because of this intermittent draw. Our sense of your problem is that there is something wrong with your A/C. We seem to have a different problem than yours.

To any techs out there: Could you please give us a definitive voltage output range for the PT Cruiser alternator, both at idle and at 1500 rpm?