PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 80; Flight Crew Total 4000; Flight Crew Type 2000
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Manuals
On an IFR flight from ZZZ1 to ZZZ2; with a fuel stop planned for ZZZ3; I noticed the ammeter reading low and decreasing to 0. As we had a new alternator installed a month ago; I diverted into ZZZ to troubleshoot. After checking connections; I started the engine and found normal ops Rather than continuing on IFR; I decided to fly VFR to ZZZ4 where a mechanic could take a look as we have a residence there. As I often do; I reviewed my flight after landing at ZZZ4 and noticed the track ended shortly after leaving ZZZ. Our radio and transponder had remained operable during the flight but battery voltage was steady but lower than normal. The mechanic at ZZZ4 found the alternator defective and replaced it. While we were receiving interrogations on the transponder; I am wondering if the ADS-B [Out] was not transmitting due to the lowered voltage In the future; if such an event would happen again; I would contact ATC to see what they were seeing.
PA-32 pilot reported a defective alternator resulted in them flying with ADS-B not transmitting.