Have the fan motor checked and if fine the start with wires and senors to fuses. Wires colud be bare in some place and a Volts meter can be very helpful in these cases.
The regulator is in the engine computer not the alternator.
your Alternator
It turned out to be the alternator going bad. Replaced alternator. No more growling.
Get another one that is
Check the voltage at the battery with engine running. It should read 13.5 to 15.5 volts. Any less and the alternator is suspect.
The voltage regulator is part of the engine computer. That will have to be replaced by the dealer.
The alternator on a Pontiac Aztek is replaced by removing the engine accessories, loosening the serpentine belt, and removing the retaining bolts. The alternator can then be pulled from its retaining bracket and a new one installed.
We have a 2003 Dodge Intrepid and it has 249,300 on it. The alternator and radiator have been replaced and a broken wire has been replaced on the transmission. This car has the 2.7L engine.
It will not cause the engine to overheat. You have another problem.
check the alternator. Use a digital multimeter and with engine running you should have 13-14 volts at the battery. If less than 12.5 Alternator is not charging Also check the amperage the alternator is putting out.
I replaced the engine idler pulley that I bought from Autozone for about $17 and eliminated the noise. I initially thought the bearings on my alternator were going out but when I replaced the pulley all the whining noise disappeared. Good Luck!
When my jeep cherokee alternator went bad, the check engine light came on and I didnt have a clue what was going on until my volt guage was reading in the red zone. When I replaced my alternator, the light went off. So in my opinion i wouldnt consider the check engine light as a alternator light.