The other day, I was sitting at a redlight.When I went to go (as the engine speed increased) I noticed my lights got brighter.The engine also ran rougher/idled low.I figured maybe these two "deals" are related.So, after I "geeked up" the idlespeed I , with motor running (with a fluke digital multi meter) checked the voltage across the battery terminals. I was reading 14 volts.Is this acceptable?
If my motor was running to low of a speed, would that make my lights go brighter when the engine increases?
what does this sound like?
2007-10-08 11:09:08 · 6 answers · asked by john l 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sounds like it could be a combination of things. Battery, alternator and you may need a basic tune-up to get your idle speed corrected.
Check to see if your battery is getting old and holding a charge properly. If not, replace it.
You said you're getting 14 volts from the alternator, and that is good, and likely not the problem unless you're hearing bearing noise from the pulley wheel.
If the engine is running rough and the idle is too low, you need to look at spark plugs, wires and distributor for anything that may be worn or loose and replace as needed. Also, the spark plugs may be fouled and need either a cleaning and re-gap or replacement.
Make sure you have enough clean oil in your car and that your air cleaner is free of blocking debris.
Hope this helps some.
2007-10-08 11:20:29 · answer #1 · answered by soy_un_perderdor_bebe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THERE ARE SOME SIGNS YOU CAN LOOK FOR THAT WILL LET INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH THE CHARGING SYSTEM. IF THE HEADLIGHTS BRIGHTEN OR THE BLOWER MOTOR PICKS UP SPEED WHEN YOU REV THE ENGINE, YOU MAY HAVE A WEAK BATTERY. THE BATTERY MAY NOT BE HOLDING ENOUGH CURRENT TO RUN THE CAR AND IS WORKING OFF THE ALTERNATOR. IF THE CHARGE LIGHT IS ON DIMLY AT IDLE, THIS COULD INDICATE A WEAK ALTERNATOR
2007-10-08 12:24:30 · answer #2 · answered by LETTY T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a bad battery. My alternator is brand new and stays between 14.4 an 14.2 Volts. Battery may not be taking a charge so car is running off alternator or availible current. Watch and see if the voltage is erratic 'IE' 12.7 volts to 13.9 volt swings ,Bad voltage regulator could be the culprit. thats what mine was doing when i had to replace it.
2007-10-08 11:25:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its your battery because of the 14 volts charging.That means the alternator is working over time and you my friend need a battery....
2007-10-08 18:48:31 · answer #4 · answered by who 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's pretty much normal on an old 1963 Ford truck.
I wouldn't wory about it.
2007-10-08 11:23:55 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
normal
2007-10-08 12:03:04 · answer #6 · answered by TonynNC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋