Hello people of the Forums! I have an issue I THINK I have a solution, but I want the opinions of those that are smarter than I am at these sorts of things as I JUST got into cars and I may be wrong. So, my gauge for electricity seems pretty dead spot on, as it's reading low and I am getting lot's of low power to everything. Headlights are dull, gauge lights are dull, interior lights in general are dull, my blinkers are dull, you get the picture everything is just slightly.. off. I think the alt isn't charging the battery properly (battery is good, pulled off my dead Exploder). It is charging (Have drove with all my lights and such on for 30+minutes and it didn't die, battery gauge stayed still on at the bottom of the red though) So I'm figuring if I replace the alt it'll all be good. My question is do you think I'm wrong? I don't have much money to just shotgun parts at the problem until it is done being problematic. Pic of my Jeep included for fun

 

Welcome!


First, buy a decent multimeter and verify your suspicions. You can pick one up for $20 at Lowes, or even less at Harbor Freight. No need to spend $100 bucks on one. These days, even the cheap ones will give you an accurate reading for automotive work.

Second, clean your grounds! In fact, go to Cruiser54.com, scroll down, and do his tip #1.

 

Cool thanks! Will run by on my way home from school tomorrow lol. Just getting really tired of not being able to drive at night y'know

 

read batt terminal volts. 14 when running is right.
clean and redo batt terminals

 

Mark is right. Do Tip 1 thoroughly before anything else. It's free.

 

you r prob right, have alt tested. but you should verify field control volts.
if reg is in alt have it tested