Autobadges.com

I put in a new optima yellow top in there and I still have issues. But I must mention that I really don't drive the car that much..maybe once every 3-4 days for about 30 minutes. But I always noticed that the battery drained after those days so wondered what it was. I didn't put the alarm for 4 days and when I fired it up it started with NO hesitation..so I knew the alarm was slowly draining it after so many days of not turning it on. So I went ahead and left it off for 1-2 days now and when I fired it up it started up fine (this is at night) but then I Put the HID lights on, my dash lights and my stereo. When I let it idle for about 5 minutes....the dash lights (the instrumental ones) turned off...so I turned the lights on and off and the driver's side headlight turned off...and needless to say the battery light came on, and the volts on the guage are like at 4volts...wtf is going on? Is it my alternator going bad or what??? Is it that I haven't charged the battery OFTEN enough or what???

99_GT

Make sure the belt is tight.

Autobadges.com

belt? wtf? the serpentine belt? Oh believe me it's super tight with the blower

ponyponer

your alternator may not be able to put out all of the accessories you have. it could even be that it's just toast from seeing it's day.

Autobadges.com

But you are saying it sounds like the alternator for sure then?

Should I get a new stock amp one or get a larger one?

ponyponer

not that it's always accurate, but you can take it out, and have it tested. you can use a meter, or take it to your auto parts store, and they can do it. if it's toast though go with a higher rated amperage one definitely.

Autobadges.com

how can I tell with a voltage meter? I have one

corvetteguy

Put voltmeter across battery.
Car off 12-13 V
Start car >14 V
race car > 14 V
HIDs on >13 V
Fan on Max > 13 V
All ON > >13

Could be you are just taking too
much current at idle.
If you go above 1000 RPM see if
it helps.
Alternator can only put out
so much current at idle.

(underdrive pulley?)

Autobadges.com

No UDP, I have a vortech blower so it has to be the stock pulley (crank). Problem was I did rev it constantly to see if it changed, but nothing. I do think too much current is being drawn with a header, HID lights, Stereo, Instrumental cluster.....does that mean I should upgrade to a LARGER amperage alternator? Stock is 130amp, I can get a 230amp one but need an installation kit as well

RonnieD

The alternator is going out, my expedition was having this issue, new battery and still the light was on. new alternator and problem solved.