Ive noticed that when I cold start my talon, it has always required somewhat of a rev before it would output the normal voltage. Otherwise the voltage hovers low. Ive ONLY noticed this due to my turbo timer set to show me the voltage. Or else I would have never known. But it has always been like that. So everytime I cold start it I always watch that guage to be sure that I get the voltage up with a little slow rev. Ive tested the gauge and its accurate.
This doesnt really apply to the thread directly, but its good to get the heads up when you cold start it daily and may not know that you are putting unnecessary strain on the alternator. Some other cars may not do this... But mine does. Ive had 2 different alternators too.
IF this is by chance the case in a lot of dsm's, then it may explain a lot of early alternator deaths in these cars. When you cold start your car (or start it anytime) the alternator is put under the most load. You draw power, then the alternator works its ass off to get your voltage back up.
If you leave your car to warm up for 5 minutes every single day without that little rev it will kill the alternator quicker.
Obviously the heat from the exhaust doesnt help the alternators life.. So ive relocated mine to the rear of the motor. Maybe that, and a slow little rev can preserve your alternator
we shall see.
