WHINING, LOWER IDLE

1995 SATURN SL1
199,000 MILES
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JBRAY4280
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  • 6 POSTS
For about 1 month I have been getting a "whining" sound from my engine compartment. To me its sounds like increased load on the belts. Since it has started my idle has gone from a normal of around 950 to about 750 if not moving.
It also gets louder/lower idle if i turn on the rear defroster. It continues and gets a little louder with speed up to around 25 to 30 mph and after that i cannot specifically hear it.

I did change the battery and headlights in the last month. It does also seem like my dash lights will "flicker" now intermittantly. Other than that I have not had any codes or problems recently.

Do I have something electrical that is on the way to failing? Or some other problem? Your answers are appreciated.
Nov 14, 2010 at 11:05 PM
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DAVE H
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  • 13,384 POSTS
Hello .. thanks for the donation .. much appreciated.

Sounds like the alternator is worn (bearings) and needs replacing
Nov 14, 2010 at 11:13 PM
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JBRAY4280
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  • 6 POSTS
Any way to check for sure its the alternator?
Nov 14, 2010 at 11:15 PM
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