yadada

i was wondering if it is possible for the alternator to randomly not work and then work again. this is what ive done to test it:

-tested the battery while off, ~12.6 volts
-turned the car on for a few min. and then off, ~12.1 and steadily increases to ~12.6
-turn car on and tested batt., ~12.1 constant; then it all of a sudden jumps to ~14.3 volts
-try the same test a few times and it will sometimes just stay at ~12 volts forever, sometimes jump to ~14 volts, and sometimes start off at ~14 volts and stay there.
-whenever it stays at ~12 volts while running and i turn off the car, the voltage will steadily increase to ~12.6 volts, or when its at ~14 running then off, it will go back down to ~12.6.
-today after a 15 min. drive with radio on, i came home and tested the battery before turning the car off and it was fluctuating around ~11.8 volts. and when i turned it off, it went up to ~12.6 again.

i just want to be sure that its my alternator so any help and input would be greatly appreciated. sorry if any of this is confusing, id be happy to clarify. thanks a lot.

stocker2shocker91

sound like you regualtor might be takin a poop, does the batt light come on and off? or can you tell if any of the lights flicker

lmike6453

Can you explain where the regulator is located? I am guessing it is in the alternator itself. Any write up or DIY for cleaning the brushes? I am interested to know as well.

yadada

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stocker2shocker91 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sound like you regualtor might be takin a poop, does the batt light come on and off? or can you tell if any of the lights flicker </TD></TR></TABLE>

the only time i saw the batt. light come on was when i drove it the other day. my cd player started to turn on and off and my lights were dimming. i stopped the car and when i tried to turn it on, it hesitated then turned on. then the batt. light showed up and i tapped the gas and it went away and it came back on and i tapped the gas again and it left. then i just shut it off. and after doing this a few times, the batt. finally died and i couldnt start it anymore. so most likely its the alternator right? thanks for your input

yadada

ok i just drove the car around and at the lights, the batt. light would come on and i have to rev it a little. well i got home and checked the batt. and it was reading 10.3 volts while running and when i turn on cd player and headlights, it goes to 8.something.

i think everyone is pretty sure that its the alternator, but could someone tell me why or how the voltage jumps from 8 to 11.something right when i turn off the car and why it continues to increase to 12.6. that would be very helpful. thanks

yadada

i tested the battery and it passed, even with all the problems and ****. any input on this? and when i read that the battery should be recharged along with installing a new alternator:

Does that mean jump the battery prior to starting it or take it to a place that recharges it by machine?

This last question is the most important to me so any help would be great. thanks