Is my alternator bad?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,226
Likes: 344
Is my alternator bad?
I have a 2000 coupe with 40k on the clock. I've driven the car over the past few days and all was well. Today I drove about 30 minutes and all was fine. I then drove to a friend's house about 15 minutes away. When he and I left the house none of the gauges or needles were working and the AC wouldn't stay on, but the car was running. We pulled over and turned the car off. When I turned the key again shortly thereafter, the car wouldn't start--no click, attempt to start, nothing. The radio, door locks, and power windows all still work.
I'm assuming this is an alternator or starter but what do I know? I think the battery is fine; it's an Optima that's not that old and I keep in on a battery tender as I rarely drive the car.
I'm assuming this is an alternator or starter but what do I know? I think the battery is fine; it's an Optima that's not that old and I keep in on a battery tender as I rarely drive the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 829
Likes: 39
From: sun prairie wi
What does the volt gauge read while its running?Then turn on the air and lights and see if it drops to below 12 volts.A good alt will read about 14 volts and stay there with the a/c and lights on.I just replaced mine on my 89.It would read 13.7 v until I turned the lights on or the rad. fan came on then it would drop to 11.5.Now it stays in the 14 volt range.
