Help with 02 Cavi Alternator

[SilverEcstasy]

My gf's 02 Cavalier has been having an alternator issue for the past year that she's owned it. It's especially more pronounced in the winter since the car has to crank harder.

The issue is, the alternator will grind or squeal real hard if she holds the starter too long it seems. I've tried getting her to let go of the starter as soon as it starts to turn over, and even once you do that, once the alternator starts the car on it's own it still grinds real hard. It's that same sound if you were to accidentally turn the key while the car's already on.

I want to get her a remote start for her car, but i'm afraid that the remote start may cause a bigger problem for her alternator already being messed up (ie. if the remote start cranks too hard or too long and eff's it up even more)

Any suggestions on what to do guys? I thought about pricing out a new alternator but I'm not sure what the issue is yet.

[AaronGTR]

That sound it makes when you accidentally turn the key and the car is already on is the starter gear grinding, not the alternator. The alt shouldn't make any noise. If it is you got major problems. Sounds like it could be a starter solenoid problem?

[SilverEcstasy]

It sounds like a spinning screaching sound, thats all I can describe it as. Even if you let go of the ignition and it's about to start up, it'll still make a real loud aggrivated sound, as if coming from the alternator.

Any way to properly diagnose it?

[nascarnate326]

My grandpa told me this, hold the tip of a large screwdriver on the alt, ad put the handel up close to your ear and use your hands to make a cup and you should be able to here a vibration that way.

I have no idea if it works but its worth a shot. She got the Ecotec?

[SilverEcstasy]

No she has the 2.2l. Reason i'm asking is I am going to surprise her and get a remote start for valentines, but I don't want it to cause a bigger problem with her alternator yanno?

I may ask my dad to check it out.