The electric power in my car is really bad....i don't know if its the alternator or battery, i don't want to remove the alternator to test it or buy a new battery if it's not the problem. When i run anything electrical ( even my turn signal i see a drop in my battery meter, every time the turning light flicks on my meter drops and then goes back up again and again) to me it seems like a battery problem because my alternator is still recharging it it seems like it just won't hold much of a charge.
2007-06-05 08:58:22 · 7 answers · asked by Tim K 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
if you disconnect the battery while the motor is running and the motor still runs the battery is going or gone and the alternator is not to bad but you should have it checked
2007-06-05 09:07:31 · answer #1 · answered by jim m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alternator is bad---it's job is to provide the power to charge the battery and run the electrical needs of the car. If turning on electrical items makes the gauge go down, then the alternator is not keeping up and should be tested or replaced.
Alternator output can be tested with it on the car...should be 13.5-14.5 volts at idle.
Battery should be fully charged and load tested also since running the car off the battery can damage it if done too long.
2007-06-05 18:39:44 · answer #2 · answered by paul h 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If your battery is trying to hold a charge, it sounds like your alternator is just not gettig the juice to the battery. You need to check your battery with a voltometer. Could be battery... but if it's showing around 12.6 volts, then probably your alternator. Try turning on all your electric equipment including fan and lights on high and check w/voltometer. I think auto zone will check your car for free if you get it up there.
2007-06-05 16:13:03 · answer #3 · answered by wizardufozz2002 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to a 'reputable' auto service center and have a simple charging system check done. If your battery is more than 3 years old it is probably bad or close to dying. Heat is the enemy of a battery and many fail during the summer.
2007-06-05 16:10:04 · answer #4 · answered by krooser2 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
u can go to a oreilly's and they can check them on the car..u can also go to the other place if u don't have an o'reilly's.. I don't here cuz they don't know alot.. but have it tested. that will tell u.it could be either one or both, since the battery is dependant on the alt and the alt is dependant on the batt.
2007-06-05 16:04:19 · answer #5 · answered by road runner 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to AutoZone and get it checked for free and you will know what the problem is.
2007-06-05 21:42:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
just go get a charging system test at autozone (it's free) and then you will only replace what is bad.
2007-06-05 20:05:43 · answer #7 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋