I have state farm's "drive and save" monitor connected to my OBD. I get emails saying that the alternator is putting out 14.57 volts and needs attention. About a half hour or so I get a message saying it's 15.07 and it has returned to normal. This happens randomly. Is it something that I need to check?

 

Don't know anything about "drive and save" but if you're not having battery problems then don't worry about it.

FYI. 14.57 volts would be considered normal, depending on current draw and battery charge.
Some of the specs in the HHR service manual show that normal alternator voltage can spike as high as 19 volts.
(yeah, I was shocked by this too)

 

Mine varies even lower sometimes, it's when the regulator does it's job.

However, it MIGHT be an indication of a failing battery. You should go to Advance/Zone/O'R and have your electrical system checked, they do it for free.

 

Our alternators are computer controlled. They will vary the output voltage as needed to maintain the battery charge based on the amp draw reported by the amp meter that is clamped on the battery cable coming directly off the battery.

 

Thanks guys for the feedback. You can probably tell I'm not too mechanically inclined. My experience is about 40 years old. High school auto shop.

 

Tell State Farm to take the damn thing out! Who needs Big Brother spying on us and telling us what to do!

Jim