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  #1  
Old 12-27-2008, 03:55 PM
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Alternator question

Ever since I finished the 4.44 swap on my pearlie, all my dash lights have been on as if my alternator was going bad. Well I have driven about 50-60 miles since the swap with these lights on and there has been no hesitation or anything that would indicate low voltage. The headlights work great (high beams too), radio, etc, etc all work as they should. The battery is brand new as of 2 months ago, but it drained during the time I was doing the swap. Is there a chance that the lights are just on due to an undercharged battery that will simply take more driving to make the lights go away?
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  #2  
Old 12-27-2008, 03:57 PM
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Re: Alternator question

nope.............
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  #3  
Old 12-27-2008, 03:59 PM
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Re: Alternator question

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Originally Posted by sicksubie View Post
Ever since I finished the 4.44 swap on my pearlie, all my dash lights have been on as if my alternator was going bad. Well I have driven about 50-60 miles since the swap with these lights on and there has been no hesitation or anything that would indicate low voltage. The headlights work great (high beams too), radio, etc, etc all work as they should. The battery is brand new as of 2 months ago, but it drained during the time I was doing the swap. Is there a chance that the lights are just on due to an undercharged battery that will simply take more driving to make the lights go away?
what lights are on? and whats your voltage from the battery from idle?
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Old 12-27-2008, 04:00 PM
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Re: Alternator question

I would put a digital tester on it and see exactly how much voltage the alternator is putting out. I would check it with different things turned on while the engine is running

Last edited by kwren; 12-27-2008 at 04:02 PM.
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Old 12-27-2008, 04:04 PM
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Re: Alternator question

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Sad when you live in a town where you see a police officer and cringe.
We all do that!
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  #6  
Old 12-27-2008, 05:22 PM
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Re: Alternator question

put one lead on the positive terminal of the alternator and the other ???
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Old 12-27-2008, 05:30 PM
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Re: Alternator question

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Originally Posted by sicksubie View Post
put one lead on the positive terminal of the alternator and the other ???
on the negative terminal.

Harvey.
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Old 12-27-2008, 06:07 PM
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Re: Alternator question

which is???
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  #9  
Old 12-27-2008, 06:15 PM
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Re: Alternator question

any ground.

Tom
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  #10  
Old 12-27-2008, 06:29 PM
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Re: Alternator question

That is what I thought, but the whole negative 'terminal' comment threw me...
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  #11  
Old 12-27-2008, 06:46 PM
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Re: Alternator question

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Originally Posted by sicksubie View Post
put one lead on the positive terminal of the alternator and the other ???
red on positive battrey cable and black on negative
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  #12  
Old 12-27-2008, 06:48 PM
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Re: Alternator question

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That is what I thought, but the whole negative 'terminal' comment threw me...
Terminal sounds so final but in this case it isn't!!
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  #13  
Old 12-27-2008, 08:00 PM
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Re: Alternator question

12.75 volts at idle with the headlights on...
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  #14  
Old 12-30-2008, 04:15 PM
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Re: Alternator question

You need an alternator more than likely. Should be at least 13.2 at idle. Could be bad grounds or connectors but more than likely its time for a rebuild. Should be able to have it done for $120 out the door in your area.
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  #15  
Old 12-30-2008, 04:17 PM
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Re: Alternator question

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You need an alternator more than likely. Should be at least 13.2 at idle. Could be bad grounds or connectors but more than likely its time for a rebuild. Should be able to have it done for $120 out the door in your area.
yep...

Tom
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