Have been having problems with flickering lights (dash / headlights / interior lights) and lumpy performance through the revs.
Checked voltage in Battery (which I recently replaced) and it's 12.5 volts with engine off, and 14.4 v engine on.
If I turn everything on (all lights + main beams + a/c + heated front/rear screens + radio + blower), then voltage across battery reads 12.1->12.3 volts, if I rev engine it has negligible effect to the V.
However, if I turn say two thirds of the above list, then at 2000-2500 revs it does increase upto @13.5 / 14v.
I also just tried running the engine and removing the negative at the battery terminal - and the engine continued to run OK. With the negative still off I then turned just the A/C on, the car began to splutter, lights dimmed and was about to stall, at which point I quickly turned A/C off, the engine still ran but was struggling; at which point I turned engine off completely.
Dodgy Alternator?
2007-11-13 07:08:14 · 3 answers · asked by yeahiknow987 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Please read all the details of the question, I realise it's a pain because theres a lot, but I just wanted to cover the bases.
Thanks for any help!
2007-11-13 07:32:09 · update #1
One thing first. The old bit, of running with the negative lead disconnected is a no no on newer cars. It can cause computer damage. Before I'd start spending hard earned money on parts I'd do a thorough cleaning of the battery posts and cable connectors with a wire brush, then have the battery tested on a load meter and then have the alternator checked out completely. It sounds like the alternator is not up to the load, either because it is flaky or is under sized. However bad connections or a battery with deteriorated plates could be the cause. Just don't waste money by throwing parts at it willy nilly as some have suggested.
2007-11-13 07:42:26 · answer #1 · answered by mustanger 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Easiest things first - get a new battery.
It can't hurt and is probably the cheapest and easiest thing you can do (besides checking the condition and connection of all cables). THEN move on to more expensive and difficult to replace options.
This is a rule I live by and have saved a lot of time and money for it.
2007-11-13 07:12:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes yes yes do something abut that right away
2007-11-13 07:11:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋