strange charging problem
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Joined: Aug 2012
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strange charging problem
Hey guys I've been having this voltage problem that is driving me nuts. Basically about a couple weeks ago while driving at night I noticed the headlights and dash lights dim. I checked the voltage and it was at about ten volts. Next morning I replaced the alternator and put in another battery that I had checked out and tested good. Everything was working fine until today when again the voltage dropped. Driving with the lights and everything off voltage was at about 12.15 volts. Apparently enough to keep the battery charged since the car hasn't had any trouble starting since it happened but enough that the turn signals are really slow when turned on. I went ahead and replaced the alternator under warranty but for the heck of it I bench tested the alternator at the auto parts store. Turns out it was good. That stumped me but I went ahead and replaced it anyway. Low and behold the new one didn't seem to make a difference in charging. So now I'm stumped. The battery tested good again today. What could be the problem? I've read that a bad battery bulb in the dash can be a problem but I've never had a working battery bulb to begin with and it has always charged correctly.
also- With the key on, not running, check for voltage at all 3 wires on the alternator.
