Last week I had noticed the lights on my dash and radio were dim but after a while would brighten up, 2 days later I was driving and my traction control shut it self off and on, then the ABS light came on and about 5 minutes later "check charging system" came across then she died.. Lights and radio on but wouldn't turn over. Had a friend give me a jump she fired right up took it home turn it off and started up again... Tuesday I replaced the battery car was running normal, now it has been -12C here. I took it to work last night lights were dim for a while but then she reached her regular temp everything has brightened up again, this morning coming home from work traction control turning off and on, ABS light came on got it home ran for another minute and "check charging system" came up. I turned it off and she would try to start but no go..... I just went out an hour and a half later to see if l should boost it but she started but again all lights are really dim except the message center is as bright as usual... could this be the alternator?
Check charging system question.
- Thread starter irock03
- Start date
Psychostang
Dedicated LVC Member
Yes, most likely it is the alternator. This is always a good time to check your cables, for corrosion.
mespock
Marxists - Socialists
95% Alt... Could be connections... but put money in it being the alt.
The Rev
Dedicated LVC Member
Im sick of these sh!t alternators...I'm betting on mine dying soon. My traction/abs has always been off since I bought the car. I've since replaced the battery and my 4 month old alt is starting to go, I'm getting that dreaded battery light. 96 cobra alt fits, correct?
you and me both, look and see how many I have killed in the last WEEK. I carry in my trunk a spare alt, and a "tool kit" a 10mm, 12mm, a 1/2 breaker bar. and a skinny long flat head for the plug, I've become a pro at changing these things out.
Although here is one thing I have done today that I noticed a major improvment. I ran a 2nd 4awg from the alt post to the battery, and my charging voltage shot up at idle. now it reads 14.25 at idle with (2)4 awg cables from the post to the front battery and a 2 awg to the back battery. and a 0 awg going to chassis grounds from both batteries. I may not need to do 0awg to the back battery after all. If you like I can keep you posted on the findings. I have a huge spool of 4 awg. I might go through the car and start changing out ground straps and cables. and see if we can make these alts function better.