Okay, here is the problem I am having. I thought it was my alternator that was no good but it seems to be something else. I gave the car a boost to start it and it started I check my capacitor for my system and it read 12.6. I took the negative cable off the battery to check the alternator and notice the capacitor jumped to 14.1 and if I rev the car it went to 14.6. I put the cable back on and it went back to 12.6/12.8 and rev the car and it did not change from 12.6. This is a new die hard battery for SUV/trucks I just purchase.

Any ideas on what the problem could be?

 

i believe that your alternator should put out between 13 and 15 v the most

 

Go to auto zone and they will test your battery for free.

 

I took it to Sears and it test good but it never goes pass 12.6 in the capacitor. I check one of my friend's capacitor while he rev his car and it would go into the 14s, but mine does not move from 12.6 or 12.8 only if I take the battery cables off. When I turn the car off it drops to 12.0 or 12.1

 

Sounds like the alt is .. How exactly did you rule it out?

 

I was guessing the alternator was good because of the reading I was getting and it car stayed running with the cables off. So it still can be the alternator?

 

Take it to AutoZone and find out.

 

I will boost it when I get home and take it there.

 

I've heard that taking the negative connection of, as a test for the alternator is a no no (for our cars). Its a bad thing to do and could damage more parts (electric) than you'd like (mainly heard the ecu).

Cant remember where I heard this from, but it stuck with me.

 

What is this capacitor you keep mentioning?

 

I have also heard this.

 

What problems are you experiencing other than getting a lower than usual voltage?? How did you conclude that the alternator wasn't the problem?

 

if an alternator is putting out maximum current, the voltage reading will not be 14 volts, it will be more like 12.. it sounds like the battery is fubar, has an internal short.

 

ORRRRRRR......his alternator is having trouble charging the battery.

 

I will have the battery tested today at Sears, it is still under warranty. It is about a month or so old and I will have them test the alternator also and see the outcome.

Thanks guys.

 

for his sound system.

 

Update, I took the car to Sear and they said it was the alternator so I took the car back to the place where the new alternator was installed. They check the whole system and found the alternator was putting out the correct voltage 13.8 to 14.3 but it definitely was not charging the battery. The problem was in the red box on the positive cable for the battery, it had a shortage so that was my problem.

Thanks guys.