Charging problem

[BeauJ]

I've got a problems with my alternator charging my battery. When I crank it up, it's almost half on the gauge. Then I drive around for a minute and it starts to drop. It's keeping a charge, it's just like it's having a problem. The alternator is not even a year old and the battery was replaced not too long ago. On the interstate, it flucuates a lot and it seems like it would keep a steady charge since the rpms are steady. Anyone else have a problem like this?

 

[96Saleen]

sounds like the regulator inside the alternator is bad. i would have it checked...or, you might want to check the wiring from extending the harness from the supercharger install...just a thought

 

[spindlecone]

I've got a problems with my alternator charging my battery. When I crank it up, it's almost half on the gauge. Then I drive around for a minute and it starts to drop. It's keeping a charge, it's just like it's having a problem. The alternator is not even a year old and the battery was replaced not too long ago. On the interstate, it flucuates a lot and it seems like it would keep a steady charge since the rpms are steady. Anyone else have a problem like this?

Would think relying on your in dash gauge might not be best, ck the output with a VOM, should be a steady 14.1-2 volts

 

[falls guy]

Mine's doing the same crap. Jumpin around and the head lights flicker a bit as well. I checked all the wires and harness, but nothing. Probably the regulator in the alt. like saleen said. Or could it be a small short somewhere?
Peace

 

[mynameisaric]

mine did that... except it lost all charge and the car died, but thats cuz my engine compartment was flooded with mud and it clogged sumthin in the alternator.

 

[mikeresin]

regulator

 

[BeauJ]

regulator

I'm guessin that's what it is because the battery is good. Damnit, don't tell me I gotta replace the alternator again? It's under warranty, but I don't want to since the s/c it's been relocated to the bottom of the engine and no longer easy to get to

 

[96Saleen]

having just changed the headers, i saw that the alternator was easy to get to with the supercharger if you take the passenger wheel well plastic thingy out of the way...hope this helps

 

[ExplorerDMB]

A new alternator never means jack! I've seen new alternators and starts (some are reman.) that were just as bad as the ones that we took out. Good thing for the warranty.

-Drew

 

[CDW6212R]

A new alternator never means ....

-Drew

Unfortunately that is true. Test with a voltmeter the alternator, and the battery after the engine has been off for a good hour. Good luck,