For a couple of months now, as I drive, the voltage appears to get lower. The headlights dim a little or the wipers slow down.

Then, today after driving about 15 miles, and stopping at a store, I needed a jump to get it started again.

I got it home and did some diagnosing.

After some rest, the battery was 12.7 volts.

I started the engine and the voltage was immediately 12.4.

I let it idle and the voltage kept coming down. After about 1/2 hour, it was 11.6.

Could it be anything other than the alternator?

Thanks.

 

After taking the alternator off (not easy) and it testing good at O'Rellly's, I put it back on (not easy), firmed up the battery terminal connector when I put it back on, and everything is working fine.


Charging at 14.4.


I'm gonna get a new battery terminal connector.


When it tested good at O'Reilly, the guy there said to check the battery fusible link, and all wire connections.


That was fun.

 

Sadly, the fat lady is not singing.


I put a new terminal connector on, and there was no charge coming from the alternator. I put the old connector back on, and because of it's deteriorated condition, it broke. It was still on snugly, and there was still no charge coming from the alternator.


I'm bumfuzzled. It should be simple.

 

Am I the only one here?

 

apparently

 

OK, here's what I've done to try to figure out why my alternator is not charging the battery.


1. Took the alternator off and had O'Reilly test it. It tested OK all three times they ran the test.


***When I put it back on, it was charging 14.4 volts.


2. I replaced the worn out negative battery terminal connector. Alternator not charging. Had to throw away the old connector, as it is split.


3. I had the battery fusible link tested and it's OK.


4. The 7.5 amp "alternator" fuse is OK.


5. I removed the battery and had it tested. It's OK.


Still no charge coming from the alternator.

 

Why are you taking the alternator off? Take the car to a garage and get it tested with the battery make sure you have a good ground and no corrosion on the terminals

 

Not that it matters . . . it was the alternator.

 

If I ask another question, will I get a reply in 9 months?

 

Anyone here now?

If so, if the brake and battery idiot lights come on together, does that mean the alternator is not charging?