this is for a 99 explorer, the volt gauge comes on when ever i give it gas, the battery light has been coming on when i kick down into a lower gear, but the problem is getting worse now the headlights are going dim when i pass somebody or when there is a load on the engine.
2006-09-22 12:52:04 · 8 answers · asked by john 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
not trying to be disrespectful to who ever said to remove any battery cables but DON'T do that, you could kill the computer .
what is wrong with the car is the voltage regulator. not the alternator, during the day take it to auto zone or a similar place and they will run the diagnostics for free. let us know how it goes.
by they way you haven't installed any "upgrades" to the radio systems have you? if you have, disconnect them now. if you want to upgrade that system you will need to up- date the electronics or risk flaming the car.
2006-09-22 13:11:26 · answer #1 · answered by barrbou214 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's an old trick. When the car is running, hold the end of a flat screwdriver at the center of the pulley of the alternator. If the screwdriver is sucked to the center and stays, then the alternator is good. If the screwdriver bounces around a little, then the alternator is no good. It has no current which would hold the screwdriver.
2006-09-22 20:01:27 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loose alternator belt could do what you describe do you hear squealing? If not proceed to the test . While the engine is running at idle take off the battery negative terminal. Motor runs.. Good alternator. Motor dies.. Bad alternator.
2006-09-22 19:57:42 · answer #3 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you need to check the battery and make sure its good. If not replace that first. Then you will need to do a load test on the alternator to see if its putting out the correct amps at speed.
2006-09-22 19:54:56 · answer #4 · answered by uthockey32 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start your car, remove the positive battery wire from the battery if the car shuts off that means your altenator is not charging your battery. Or you could just take it to a Pep Boys, or Auto Zone and they'll put that machine that checks your battery and alternator.
2006-09-22 19:56:04 · answer #5 · answered by 90 civic 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can tell especially if you just put in a new car battery.... The alternator will suck the power out of it. ... If you have an older battery you may want to start there (replace battery first)....
2006-09-22 19:54:55 · answer #6 · answered by e_spehr_99 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
take the car to a parts store and they can test it on the car for free and tell you if it is the battery or the alternator.
2006-09-22 19:57:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you don't get the right answer here, try the mechanics at askautopro.com. They helped me so I'm spreading the word.
2006-09-22 19:56:47 · answer #8 · answered by Mama R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋