new alternator?

**Justin23454** · 01-26-2012, 01:01 PM

When I 1st start the car all is fine, after driving alittle my battery shows that its being charged into the red on the gauge and all my lights turn on. Is this the alternator doing this?

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-26-2012, 01:05 PM

1st check you alternator, make sure you are not having a leak from the power steering pump. if so, post back.

2nd - if no leak, go to any car parts store and have them check out both battery and alternator. I know autozone can check it on the car.

post what you/they find

**Justin23454** · 01-26-2012, 01:21 PM

another thing is, when I drove it, it would get into the red then drop down to normal (around 14) but then it would build back up again. I just went and checked and I have no leak. How bad is it to drive it if it goes back into the red. Autozone is around 1 mile from my work would that be to far to drive it?

**0rion** · 01-26-2012, 02:04 PM

sounds like the alternator is taking a dump on you......more specifically the voltage regulator. If you have a multimeter a quick check would be to put it on dc volts and put it across the battery terminals with the car running. Should show 14.4 volts running. It won't hurt to drive it to the parts place to have it checked out.

**Justin23454** · 01-26-2012, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

sounds like the alternator is taking a dump on you......more specifically the voltage regulator. If you have a multimeter a quick check would be to put it on dc volts and put it across the battery terminals with the car running. Should show 14.4 volts running. It won't hurt to drive it to the parts place to have it checked out.

ok, thanks

**Justin23454** · 01-27-2012, 02:36 PM

well I went and they checked my batt. it was like 14.3-5 but they said they couldnt do the alt. while it was on the car :/ But anyways, I was driving it around, and now its just at a steady 14 (on the dash). Im sure this has nothing to do with it, but the part that connected to the + side of the batt. was rusted so I cleaned it up some. Not sure if that would do anything but as of right now its not acting up.

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-27-2012, 03:26 PM

yes, corroded connectors will affect the charging and output of a battery.

Looks like you seem to fix it. You can use some anti-corrosive gel that they sell at the parts stores. Usually goes for under $2.00

It will help prevent this issue.

**Justin23454** · 01-27-2012, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

yes, corroded connectors will affect the charging and output of a battery.

Looks like you seem to fix it. You can use some anti-corrosive gel that they sell at the parts stores. Usually goes for under $2.00

It will help prevent this issue.

ok, cool thanks much. I just spent 100+ on 2 o2 sensors didnt wanna put another 150+ down on an alt! lol

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-27-2012, 03:41 PM

don't blame you on that.....

But do keep an eye out on that PS pump. It will kill the alternator. look in the sticky threads and you'll see one that I explain the cause.

**Justin23454** · 01-27-2012, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

don't blame you on that.....

But do keep an eye out on that PS pump. It will kill the alternator. look in the sticky threads and you'll see one that I explain the cause.

ok, thanks.