waltonscott

Purchased and installed a Delco CS130D (160 amp) alternator last night. I did the big 3 last weekend as well.

Anyway, my volt meter is still dropping at idle to 11 / 12, and to about 12 while driving...I figured at idle the alt might have a higher idle rating (1000 - 1100) while my car idles around 850 rpm. But while driving I figured it shouldn't drop at all?

900 rms (sub) and 4 x 85 rms (speakers). Do I need a new battery...or a higher capacity alternator...

fjlskajfsla...

candela

iTrader: (5)

I suggest you put a DMM to it or take it to an auto part store. They can check your charging system for free right from the car.

What other electrical accessories are you running? It could be that the battery has a few dead cells and not holding a full charge. i wouldn't rely on the volt gauge in the dash, mine is off.

waltonscott

no other accessories, never use AC either.

I did notice when I took out the other alternator..the harness on top only had 1 wire going to it?? The other 3 were cut...must have had an interesting previous owner, unless that's okay.

I should also check my grounds...when I did the big 3 I left the factory wires attached...I thought it wouldn't matter?

Thanks

SSNISTR

iTrader: (10)

That harness should only have one wire, it tells the computer to charge the battery when the car is running. As said before, DO NOT go by that gauge. Mine seems to read a little low as well....for years. I had it checked, and have a new alternator and a Optima yellow top. Never had any issues while driving....I wouldn't worry.

candela

iTrader: (5)

Yessir, yellow tops all the way.

Waltonscott, did ya take the car to get checked?

shoemike

iTrader: (25)

are you using a voltmeter or scantool referencing from the ECU?

candela

iTrader: (5)

He is reading the voltage gauge in the cluster.