Bad Alternator?

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Oct 12, 2014 | 12:23 PM

96LT1Z

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From: Lincoln NE

Bad Alternator?

Last night took the car out. The lights are dimming and getting brighter randomly, Voltage gauge is moving all the way from normal to in the red. Voltage gauge moves with the lights dimming. Check gauges light also comes on when the voltage drops way down. Figuring it is the alternator? Thanks guys

Oct 12, 2014 | 04:35 PM

fleetmgr

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From: Tulsa, OK

sure sounds like it. Oreilly will test it for free.

Oct 14, 2014 | 04:54 PM

leadfoot4

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From: Webster, NY

How's the belt? Is it cracked/slipping?

Oct 14, 2014 | 05:49 PM

BALLSS

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could be bad alternator....or bad battery cable connections

if belt is excessively lose due to stretch or tensioner is weak can also contribute the low alternator performance

Oct 15, 2014 | 12:42 AM

fex77k

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From: AR

There is a post in the alternator that will loosen up, if the positive lug has any movement then it will do this.

Oct 15, 2014 | 02:44 AM

AdsoYo

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From: Bend, OR

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleetmgr

sure sounds like it. Oreilly will test it for free.

Just a word of warning. I was having extreme low voltage issues after a road trip, pulled into my driveway at about 7v I believe. Car was barely running. Took the alternator to O'Reilly's for a test and it passed but I replaced it anyway. Car ran great afterwards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by leadfoot4

How's the belt? Is it cracked/slipping?