I've just noticed that when I have to slow way down and the engine slows down...my lights will dim slightly. I'm sure there is a reason....I have had a few cars that have done this. Finally, I figured I'd throw this question out to you guys.
Thanks for your answers! Happy Holidays!
2006-12-09 19:21:34 · 12 answers · asked by treefrog 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It sounds as if the alternator or othere such charging device in your car is not putting out a great deal of current. So long as it keeps the battery charged you will be alright.
Just to be safe, have someone connect a voltmetere across the battery. The voltage should be at least 13.8 volts to keep the battery charged. If it doesn't create that voltage at idle see what it does at normal driving speed. If it charges okay while driving but not at idle just remember you can't leave it idle for a long period of time....
2006-12-09 19:33:53 · answer #1 · answered by Harley Charley 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like the internal regulator that limits the charging for the battery is starting to go. You need a new alternator. You can have this checked by any auto parts store, but if your battery is low on a charge due to your alternator not keeping it up, the load test will be incorrect. You need to check your battery and the terminals and make sure they are clean, tight, and making good contact. I would suggest getting the battery load tested first, but you can't load test a battery that is low, it has to have a good charge on it. If it's charged up, you can go to most auto parts stores and have it load tested for free. If the battery checks out good, then with the vehicle running, load test the charging system. If the battery checks bad, you need to replace the battery, or put it under a charge, to bring it back up to full strength. If it just needs a charge, and takes the charge to come back up, then get the battery load tested. Then load test the charging system with the vehicle running. If the alternator is bad, most of the time the vehicle will stall while under a heavy load.
You never mentioned what type of vehicle or the year, but if it's an older vehicle that has a seperate V-Belt that drives the alternator, it's possible for the belt to be loose. Which means either it needs to be tightened, or you need to replace it due to it being stretched out too far. If the vehicle is a newer one, it more than likely will have one belt that drives everything. This is called a serpentine belt. You can find out easily just by opening your hood and looking at the motor area. Keep in mind, some newer vehicles will have a single V-Belt or serpentine belt that runs the alternator also. If your vehicle has any of these setups, you need to make sure the belt isn't in the same situation.
Hope this helps you.
2006-12-09 20:28:11 · answer #2 · answered by KILROY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like your battery is going bad. If your lights get brighter when you accelerate, then your alternator should be working fine. Check to see if the connections on your battery are tight and not corroded and also check your battery ground on the vehicle. corrosion will keep the battery from getting a proper charge.Or maybe if the alternator was changed it may have been replaced with one that puts out a lower amperage.
2006-12-10 02:25:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Odds are you have an alternator/battery issue. Alternator should be maintaining around 14+ VDC with engine running.....idle or above. Anything less and it's not doing its job. Also have battery load tested and be sure terminals and connections are clean.
2006-12-09 19:36:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah for serious, a alternator and battery issue.
I just have to say, do not listen to banbi up there.
never ask a car dealer... they will just screw you. Haha that is the most stupid thing you could do. You were on the right track asking other people out here. No one here is looking for your money. They will give you a straight forward answer.
2006-12-09 20:47:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
can be a both a leak interior the exhaust or clogged up. in case you want to work out if the reason of idling because of the o2 sensor... disconnect the sensor and run it like that and word if the computing device does a by-bypass on the sensor to make it run extra perfect. for the belt, it really does attempt this once any moisture hits the belt if any in truth did hit the belt.i'd take the belt off besides and examine for any cracks. lot of cases choppy slopes makes a belt squeal
2016-11-25 02:05:53 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's normal for many cars, but at idle. If your battery is over 4 years old though, I would suggest getting a new one.
2006-12-09 19:50:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the alternator slows down with the engine. this decreases the electrical system voltage by 2 or 3 volts. New batteries have fewer symptoms than older ones because they retain there charging state voltage longer.
2006-12-09 19:25:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
drive to a parts store that test free . could be your alt is not what it used to be, or regulator .regu. are built in to the alt on newer stuff. the diodes could be warn out causing a short but still charging . autozone has free testing or checkers . whatever near you .
make sure you find out if it is the correct alt. ,out put voltage is important .
2006-12-09 19:38:47 · answer #9 · answered by martinmm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you idling around curves? Or anything other than stopped.
2006-12-09 19:24:43 · answer #10 · answered by bettysdad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋