Electrical Issues

**drock608** · 07-29-2008, 12:55 PM

When my car is running the amp meter was always in the red, sometimes pretty low. After a few weeks of driving like this the batter pooped out. My first impulse was the alternator wasnt putting out enough volts. I had it checked and they said it was fine. What else could be wrong?

**Orcus79** · 07-29-2008, 01:59 PM

The battery, the cables between the alternator and the battery. NEVER drive with a gauge in the red for an extended period, you will only damage more stuff. Hope fully all you fried was the battery, very possibly you could have cooked your AC compressor clutch too from it not getting enough voltage allowing it to slip.

**drock608** · 07-29-2008, 02:19 PM

how would i know if the AC clutch was going because of this...

i brought it to auto zone and the guy heard the bearings squeeking. he said the bearings are loose and this does not allow a good connection. although the alternator tested fine, he said, once its on the car and it has the AC, lights, etc running is when it wont put out enough volts. does this sound reasonable?

**Orcus79** · 07-29-2008, 02:25 PM

you won't really till it fails or starts making noise. The only way to tell for sure is to tare it down. but if you have noticed a decrease in ac performance an all the pressures check out, that may be the cause.