AC problem... is it the Alternator? ? ? ?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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AC problem... is it the Alternator? ? ? ?
when i turn my AC on ... the gauge of the volt drops a little.. the higher y set the AC to blow the lower the needle of the volt gauge goes ... is my alternator weak ? or gettig weak .. or is this normal ?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
It's not the A/C, it's the draw from the blower fan. A parts store can test your alternator for you if you're worried about it being bad. My Bronco does this, even after I replaced the alternator.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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This is pretty normal. It is true that the blower fan is the main component of this voltage drop, but turning the A/C on will also pull down the gauge a bit, due to the electromagnetic clutch (hell, I can see my gauge go up and down at idle when I have the blinkers on.) You could get a 130 amp powermaster alternator if this really bothers you, but it's not too big of a deal. Alternator output will increase to full current once the engine gets above idle.
