black_maxed95

iTrader: (41)

So I searched a little bit and it sounds like my alternator is on its last days, but I want to post my situation and get some other opinions.

Im driving home tonight from work with the following turned on:
-carputer (180W power supply)
-headlights and fogs
-pioneer stereo (stock bose speakers)
-radar detector

Now my radar detector shows my battery voltage and I see towards the end of my trip home, the voltage reads only 12.2V, obviously too low. When I get home I turned my carputer off and it goes up to 12.8V, I turn everything else off it goes up to 13.5V. I turn my fogs back on, 13.4, I turn my headlights back on, 13.2, I turn my highbeams on, 12.9. So does it make sense that its my alternator? Also my carputer system is relatively new in my car, only 2-3 weeks but this is the first time ive seen voltage this low.

If it is my alternator, are the 140A ones on ebay good? Autozone alts are only 125A. What are the amps on the stock alts? I want to get a good alternator too because I want to eventually upgrade the Bose system and hopefully wont have to replace it again for a long time. My car has 180k but ive only owned it for the last 15k but I doubt its ever been changed.

Thanks

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

I would stay away from any reman units, new only. Also a local brick and mortar store is a much better idea than some online place, if you ever need to warranty it out. If you get it from a parts store, have them test it before you leave with it.

As for your current issues, have you had your charging system tested? Most auto parts stores will do it for free. Also, have you done the big 3?

black_maxed95

iTrader: (41)

Im considering autozone too for their warranty but those are remans too, and put out less amps and cost $40 more. I havent had it tested, tonight was the first time I noticed it and the only thing I have observed is the voltage reading by the radar detector (which normally reads 13.9V with everything on).

As far as the big 3, I dont completely remember the '3' but I do have a pretty good grounding kit installed. I doubt its a grounding issue though because yesterday the voltage was fine, and now today its really low.

FallenOne

iTrader: (17)

hey bud, hes right reman units are $@#^ ive gone through 3 in the past year.. Yeahh.. and I really dont have much running in my car.. The most ive ever had was a 1000 Watt Amplifier.. and Normally its only a 300 Watt Amplifier..

If i were you, i would do the Big Three, check to make sure your Idler Pulley isnt seizeing up on you, and mabey even get a new battery if that one is going out on you same as your Alt.. Perfectly Honest, if this alt goes ill be upgradeing to a High output unit..

In the end though.. The electrical units in the max, are honestly the only problems.. Ive ever had? Guess thats a good thing.. Idk?