Alternator Bad?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 631
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From: Tampa FL
Alternator Bad?
Ive tried 2 different batteries an old fully charged one and a brand new Optima Red. Both are dead after a couple days of sitting.
How can I tell for sure it's my alternator that's bad before I go out and buy a new one?
Any tips? Thanks!
How can I tell for sure it's my alternator that's bad before I go out and buy a new one?
Any tips? Thanks!
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Re: Alternator Bad? (mike229)
Do you have a multimeter? See waht voltage you have when running (should be about 13.5v) and when shut off (around 12v). Or you could just pop off the positive cable when the car is running. If it stays running the alt is good. If it dies the alt is bad. Or just take the car to NAPA and they can test it for you.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 631
Likes: 41
From: Tampa FL
Re: Alternator Bad? (Wicked_SS)
No multimeter (yet) but I got it running, took off the + cable, and it ran for a couple minutes when the instant I turned on the lights,....dead!
I took out the alternator and battery to take them to get tested but does this sound like its the alternator so far?
Thanks again!
Also I see a bunch of higher amp replacement alternators out there - is there any downside to these, besides the wallet? Is the higher amp you can afford the better?
Mine calls for a 63 amp but I see 85,100,140 amps available - I do plan on adding a high end amp/stereo....
[Modified by mike229, 9:32 PM 4/21/2004]
I took out the alternator and battery to take them to get tested but does this sound like its the alternator so far?
Thanks again!
Also I see a bunch of higher amp replacement alternators out there - is there any downside to these, besides the wallet? Is the higher amp you can afford the better?
Mine calls for a 63 amp but I see 85,100,140 amps available - I do plan on adding a high end amp/stereo....
[Modified by mike229, 9:32 PM 4/21/2004]
