Currency
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- September 11, 2009
- Messages
- 611
- Reaction score
- 3
- City, State
- Bedford Indiana
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 94 XLT 4x4
Tonight I noticed my battery gauge was showing a drop in voltage while stopped at a red light. At the time I had the headlights on, heater about half way, and the radio on. I figure the battery needs replaced and planned on replacing the cables as well.
I decided to test it to see how far it would drop. I tuned the heater on high, radio up some more, and the rear defroster on. I noticed it dropped down to around 10 volts, just guessing. So I may be needing to replace my alternator as well. I would like to use a 220 volt alternator to handle any future demands in excess of factory equipment.
So here are my questions.
Should I test the output on my current alternator?
Should I test the battery?
What is a decent brand of battery to use? Money is currently not a problem so high-end batteries are in my price range. I also don't plan to just run to walmart and pickup whatever fits just to have to change it out in a year or two. Not to knock on walmart or it's products but I prefer to spend my money elsewhere.
What is a good brand for battery cables? I'm replacing both pos and neg completely. Again money is no option, the factory cables have lasted 15 years but I rather change them now before they do become a problem in the future.
I do plan to replace the battery and cables before replacing the alternator because I don't want to spend money on a new alternator is I don't need one.
If I need a alternator what is everyone's thoughts on used alternators or rebuilt ones? My father suggested a used one.
If you look at the list of to-do's for my Ex in my registry you'll see why I don't want to spend money on something that doesn't need replaced... yet...
Tomorrow I'll be replacing my shocks and passenger side RA bracket. So any testing that may need done can be done tomorrow, hopefully. Rain is expected Tuesday.
Thanks for the help guys
I decided to test it to see how far it would drop. I tuned the heater on high, radio up some more, and the rear defroster on. I noticed it dropped down to around 10 volts, just guessing. So I may be needing to replace my alternator as well. I would like to use a 220 volt alternator to handle any future demands in excess of factory equipment.
So here are my questions.
Should I test the output on my current alternator?
Should I test the battery?
What is a decent brand of battery to use? Money is currently not a problem so high-end batteries are in my price range. I also don't plan to just run to walmart and pickup whatever fits just to have to change it out in a year or two. Not to knock on walmart or it's products but I prefer to spend my money elsewhere.
What is a good brand for battery cables? I'm replacing both pos and neg completely. Again money is no option, the factory cables have lasted 15 years but I rather change them now before they do become a problem in the future.
I do plan to replace the battery and cables before replacing the alternator because I don't want to spend money on a new alternator is I don't need one.
If I need a alternator what is everyone's thoughts on used alternators or rebuilt ones? My father suggested a used one.
If you look at the list of to-do's for my Ex in my registry you'll see why I don't want to spend money on something that doesn't need replaced... yet...
Tomorrow I'll be replacing my shocks and passenger side RA bracket. So any testing that may need done can be done tomorrow, hopefully. Rain is expected Tuesday.
Thanks for the help guys