so on sunday my car was running good until i tried to start it up and it cranked a little bit and just died so i had to push start it. next thing you know im driving home and i see my radio flickering on and off. then later on i turn on my headlights and my whole speed gauge just dies. so i stopped at my cousins house to take out battery and took it to autozone and it had 1 volt in it so i had it charged and i made it home but i was wondering is this an alternator issue or something else? (btw i just put my subwoofers in) would that cause a problem?
Alternator Or Battery?
- Thread starter TheAdvocate
- Start date
whats the normal voltage?
RonJ
Banned
First clean and tighten the battery terminals and ground wire connection.
Next, measure the battery voltage across the two battery posts under these three conditions:
1) Engine off, all electrical devices off
2) Warm engine idling to spec, all electrical devices off
3) Warm engine idling to spec, high beams on, A/C on with blower set to max.
Post the results.
Next, measure the battery voltage across the two battery posts under these three conditions:
1) Engine off, all electrical devices off
2) Warm engine idling to spec, all electrical devices off
3) Warm engine idling to spec, high beams on, A/C on with blower set to max.
Post the results.
RonJ
Banned
This is very true. Many auto parts stores do offer charge system testing, as well as battery charging, as a free service. This is the best option for those who don't have a digital multimeter or who simply don't want to test the charge system themselves. However, keep in mind that, based on the experiences of people whom I have helped on forums, the employees responsible for this testing may not always be competent at doing the tests or also may make mistakes. Therefore, for the more initiated DIYer, I would recommend that you get a multimeter and try the simple voltage tests that I posted. The results will allow you to determine whether you have a battery versus alternator problem in the vast majority of cases.you can always go to autozone and have them both checked for free
RonJ
Banned
This test should be strictly avoided because disconnecting the battery while the engine is running may produce voltage spikes that can damage delicate electrical components like the ECU.If you want to test you alternator just start your car and then well it is running disconnect the battery and if the car stays running the alternator is good, and if it dies the alternator is bad.
Yet it seems to be suggested on every thread on how to test the alternator... ugh.This test should be strictly avoided
That WAS the Old School way....... Should not be done anymore.If you want to test you alternator just start your car and then well it is running disconnect the battery and if the car stays running the alternator is good, and if it dies the alternator is bad.
ok so i changed my alternator and everything's good but now i think the belt squeals like crazy? how do i fix this?
sometimes high rev it will go away but otherwise loud and obnoxius squeal
This test should be strictly avoided because disconnecting the battery while the engine is running may produce voltage spikes that can damage delicate electrical components like the ECU.
I have tested alternators like this since 1997 and since then it has always worked and never failed me. never any issues either.That WAS the Old School way....... Should not be done anymore.
RonJ
Banned
This is why some people continue to do this potentially dangerous test -- because it doesn't always fry an important sensitive electrical component. Nonetheless, there is always potential to damage the electrical system by doing the test, so to be safe it should be avoided.I have tested alternators like this since 1997 and since then it has always worked and never failed me. never any issues either.
so today i was driving and it did it in the morning while i was warming up but after awhile smooth take off and everything it was dead quiet is this normal?