I took my 05 civic to the dealer to have the charging system tested. It tested normal: 485 CCA on stock battery, 12.72V Battery voltage and 14.40V for charging system.
THEN... they left the lights on and had to jump my car when i came to pick it up. They did another test to make sure there was no damage, but came up with these results:
423 CCA
12.50 V Battery
13.48 V Charging system <--- this they say is low
The manager says it could be due to my stereo system (which was OFF the whole time). But then why did it test normal to begin with? So is this guy lying through his teeth?
In case you're wondering here's the wattage:
Alpine CDA-9856 head unit
Alpine MRP-F250 40W X 4 RMS
Alpine MRP-M450 400W X 1 RMS (only pushing a 300W sub)
Experienced mechanics and MECP's please help!
2007-05-25 11:29:53 · 6 answers · asked by xd_85 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
did they jump start your car with a powerboost pack or with another vehicle? if they used another vehicle was the other vehicle running when they started your car? if they use another vehicle and it was running when they jumpstarted your car they may have burned out some of the diodes in your alternator. better check waith a reputable alternator shop.
2007-05-25 11:54:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's fine.
If a good battery was discharged by leaving the lights on, it will suck as much power from the alternator as it can.
A stock alternator puts out 55-65 amps at normal operating speed. At idle, it's a bit less.
A dead battery takes a while to completely recharge, and 13.8 volts is standard minimum charging voltage.
If you had a low battery, stereo and amp on, engine cooling fan, and all the other things required to run an engine going at the same time the alternator MAY not be able to compensate for added load to the charging system.
Don't spend any more money on it yet.
Give it a day or so of regular driving, then test it again if you'ld like.
2007-05-25 19:04:41 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The best way to double check it is to take it to a local parts store and have them test the electrical system. Be sure to fully charge the battery before testing, as a weak battery can throw the readings off.
2007-05-25 18:37:07 · answer #3 · answered by H & R Tire 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That manager is a complete idiot. Blaming your stereo for alternator problems caused after their jump caused by their lack of attention is rediculous.
Find a new dealer.
2007-05-25 18:37:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leaving your lights on will drain your battery.The alternator has nothing to do with it. Good luck finding an honest mechanic! They are out there but trial and error is the only way to find one.
2007-05-25 18:41:54 · answer #5 · answered by Young 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they most likly jumped it wrong leaving lights on etc will hurt the battery not the alternator.but use jumper cables wrong will sure do the trick blow alternator.nothing to do with stereo!!!!!!
2007-05-25 18:35:48 · answer #6 · answered by lcayote 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋