Battery or alternator...Both?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Battery or alternator...Both?
OK I know that one or the other, possibly both have to be replaced.....when driving, (expecially at night), when I have all sorts of stuff on, everything seems to slow down or dim when idling, but picks up when the RPMs go up. However, in normal day to day driving, if I stop at a store and run in for about 3 or 4 minutes, then start back up, it turns over real slow then eventually catches and starts. Today, this happened but it didn't start. Just cranked slower and slower. I let it sit for about 5 minutes and it fired right up. If I have to replace both then so be it, but I would rather not if I dont have to. The alternator is about 3 yrs old and the battery about 7.
Thanks Guys!
Thanks Guys!
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,428
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From: peoria, az
Battery or alternator...Both?
Man, that battery is ancient. Iwould try removing the cables and cleaning them. If that doesn,t help then you could stop by a parts store any they could test both of them for you (while they're still in the vehicle) I'm guessing that your battery is nearing the end of its life.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Battery or alternator...Both?
I just replaced my battery and alternater today....battery was bought in '98 and alternater in '02..which pisses me off....i willing to bet its your battery...go have it checked at your nearest auto zone or parts store
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Battery or alternator...Both?
Well here is twist...and a good one I might add.....called the autoparts store and they ran my phone number...alternator is covered under a lifetime warranty...so it looks like I get both for the price of a battery....WOOOO HOOOOO!!!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 813
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From: NJ
Battery or alternator...Both?
actually all your vehicle power is taken from the battery because it is a filtered voltage. as you draw power from the battery your voltage regulator senses this draw and lets the alternater charge the battery at the rate of discharge. at idle the alternater cant put out the amount of current that you need with all your accessories on a slighgt dimming is normal but a good battery with the proper ampere rating should supply enough current to start the vehicle after short periods of batterey discharge. my guess is the battery is not up to snuff or you have some dirty or corroded cables.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
Battery or alternator...Both?
The alt. is supposed to be able to put enough amps to compensate for the draw. Take into consideration that it's designed for the stock electrical draw.
If your alt. can't handle the drw, then you need to upgrade.
Also, the 2G is known for not producing enough at idle, the next upgrade is a 95A, or 130A 3G.
Good luck bro.
If your alt. can't handle the drw, then you need to upgrade.
Also, the 2G is known for not producing enough at idle, the next upgrade is a 95A, or 130A 3G.
Good luck bro.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Battery or alternator...Both?
THanks all for the replys...all is good now. Nothing dims or slows down anymore...the old alternator was fine so long as it only charged the battery....but with a draw it would only output about 11 volts. As for the rating it is a Heavy duty alternator...thats why it seemed something was wrong.
