silverbullet9626

so i got my b16a ready to pass emissions yesterday. i drove it last night and when i give gas the lights go dim but when i let up the lights get brighter such as when i change gears. im thinking the batt may be goin bad being it sat for 8 months i dont think its the alt cause the batt was almost dead (enough to start) and now that i drove the batt isnt as dead. what do you think

99sijunkie

As I said in a similar thread, I am having the same problem. However, I have replaced the alternator and some blown fuses and my battery is still dying. I would go get your alternator and battery tested somewhere reputable (maybe not just autozone). Hopefully, it is just the battery. Good luck.

oskar_0709

I would go to autozone and buy a multimeter, they are pretty cheap, and test you batt yourself, to see if the battery is charging. when the car is running your volts have to be at least 12, when revving aroung 2500rmps your v should raise to 14 or 13 at least. if it doesnt your alt may be going bad. If the alt is good, try it with the car off and your battery should have anout 12 or 11's if it's below your battery is not holding charge

NotAJDMFanBoy

With the car off, the battery should be 12 volts or even a bit more.
With the car running, you should see about 13-14.5 volts.

Check your grounds and power connections for corrosion or loose connections. Not saying it sounds like this, but poor connections can cause issues. The cable to battery connections often corrode or get a dull coating that hurts the connection. A battery brush is like $2 and polishes the battery and cable terminals. Also, you can check your electrolyte level. If it's low, only add distilled water, NOT TAP WATER!!!

Autozone or other stores should be able to load test your battery. This is different than testing it with a multimeter because they actually simulate it having to power something. Sometimes a battery with good voltage won't pass a load test, and it's bad.

Not guaranteeing any of this will cure it, but it's cheap and easy stuff that could help.

Former User

Some details about the car would help.

Is the alternator belt loose?

TwoFaced

Would a ground wire knocked around during tinkering in the bay cause this?

silverbullet9626

forgot about posting this oops. found out my batt needed replacement been sittin for 8 months. all is well now