I have a few alternator questions...I think mine is dieing, but it'* been like this forever. When the car is running the volt guage is usually almost full, but will move down as accessories are turned on and will move with the blink of the signal light. I get dimming of the headlights as my brakes are pressed etc.

Now the battery is less then a year old, it'* a 700CCA energizer. I have had these problems ever since I got the car and the battery, so I'm guessing the source of the problem is the alt. Now you said a crappy alt can kill a battery, but can a bad battery kill an alt? If I get a new alt I don't want to have to buy a new battery as well.

Is it weird that my voltage is almost always at 18v?

u might wanna check that number with a volt meter.... if it is actually 18 volts u need a new voltage regulator, 18 volts can fry the electronics in ur car....
it sounds like the voltage regulator considering the dimming....

700CCA ain't bad, but it'* not a huge amount either.

Yes a bad battery can kill an alt, as it'* trying to recharge it more. The fact that something as small as turn signals are causing fluctuations makes me think it'* gonna crap out. A 140 amp from an SSEi is only 10-20 bux more, and should last MUCH longer.

My volt meter moves with the turn signal.. I haven't done enough night driving to remember if the lights dimmed with the brakes.. especially considering I still have the original bulbs, and they don't exactly light up the road all that well.


-justin

Hmmm...would something like this offer the same quality as a normal 140amp alternator?

The alternator has been on my "to do" list for quite some time, so I will probably get a new one once my exhaust equipment is installed.

How would I go about testing the battery to see if it is still healthy?


thanks

that is not as big as my Delco 140 amp.....I would say that get a Delco from advance with a lifetime warrenty

The seller said:

So not necessarily is that the actual unit. But, either way.. I vote for Advanced Auto with the Lifetime Warranty. Trust me, Lifetime Warranty = awesome. Just KEEP THAT RECIPT!


-justin

take it to autozone they will test it for u...

If you have to get it test, chances are it is weak. If you buy a new alt, buy a new bat. Until then, just leave them. And grab a GOOD battery [700+CCA, Optima Red Top if you have the funds].


-justin

Sounds good. I've applied around for quite a few jobs so hopefully soon I'll have a more steady flow of money. Usually my fixing computers out of my home covers it, but this car owns me now, and I am enslaved to it.