Batt light on on dash

[nikhan]

Ok been driving the whole day and everything was fine. Got home and 2 hrs later car started a bit funny. Batt light was on...started driving and the car sounded and felt a bit funny but was ok after about 4 mins or so. Took down to the freeway to give it a go and funny thing is that when the rev is high batt light went off. But then I slowed down it came on again. Went back to my drive way sometimes it went on and then off for a bit a couple of times. But when it is idle the light does not come on. Turn off the engine for a bit and started again it seemed fine but I wouldnt want to bet on it when i start my car up tomorz and head down to the city.

Check the terminals all seem ok and I just changed both the terminals and batt 6 months ago. Volt meter on the car was constantly between 8-12V. From what I gather from the search I ran seems like the alternator might be on its way out perhaps? Or might be some grounding wire issue that is sucking up my batt power? because before I go spending money to get an alternator or recondition one I hope someone can give me some ideas on what could be the possible issue and if i can do some DIY checks first in the meantime. Sucky thing tomorz is that its a Pub Holiday and no one is open till the 4th. Damn my luck...NYE will be spent at home then as I done wanna leave my car stranded anywhere than at home.

[BearOnFire]

Alternator regulator, whats the current on that? Should be around the 12v mark.

[nikhan]

Alternator regulator, whats the current on that? Should be around the 12v mark.

I have no idea...getting an auto electrician up here in the morning

[phi-tec]

got to supercheap/autobarn w.e they have free battery test which tests your alternator too = thats how i found out my alternator is on its way, battery light shows on when i press on accelerater though so bit of the opposite?

[nikhan]

got to supercheap/autobarn w.e they have free battery test which tests your alternator too = thats how i found out my alternator is on its way, battery light shows on when i press on accelerater though so bit of the opposite?

Lol if I cant get my car to start. But yeah...that sounds like a good idea

[nikhan]

So it was the alternator. But the bloody thing decided to start working again this arvo....gonna get one on hand anyway just in case it decides to call it a day

[phi-tec]

yeha my alternator couldnt handle sound system, so its working atm without soundsystem... not for long im presuming

[nikhan]

I havent even put a sound system in yet. lolz...but there is no reason why it cant handle it.

[payaya]

See what volts ya getting when car is on. Should be over 14. If its 12 your alternator is failing.

[nikhan]

Its between 12 and 14. Sometimes it works, sometimes it fails. Sigh

[BearOnFire]

My bad
Had that 12 and 14 volt fluctuate,bad regulator. Loose belt or wiring can also be the cause.

Happy new year

[rock_it]

Its between 12 and 14. Sometimes it works, sometimes it fails. Sigh

My Evo did this.. Was fine for a while, until the alt fried and stopped all together..

Best tend to it ASAP..

[nikhan]

Lol yeah I'm getting one in a couple of days so I'll swap it out soon. Any idea how much is it to change it? My mech quoted 160 for the change but I reckon it could be cheaper

[payaya]

Get a multimeter and check the voltage between terminals when the car is running. Should be around 13.5-14.5 with car on. If it's at in the 12's your alternator is not charging. IS the noise your car making a hissing type noise?

[nikhan]

Nope no hissing noise. Checked the batt last nite and it was running 12.6-13.5v without aircon and a 13.8 with my AC on. guess its charging very very low.

[payaya]

It its testing in the 12 volt range with the engine running, your alternator is on its last legs.