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Fluctuating Electrical Power
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computergeek
New User
Feb 28, 2008, 11:46 AM
Post #1 of 2
(1880 views)
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Fluctuating Electrical Power
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As you can tell by username, I know a lot about computers and nothing about cars. I have a 1998 Chevy S10 pickup. In the last couple of years the idiot dial that indicates whether or not the battery is charging will hover around 10 and then go back up to 12 for no apparent reason. In those two years, I've had to replace the battery 3 times because whatever is going on appears to be killing the battery. Every time I bring my truck in to replace the battery, they've checked the alternator and its okay. However, it seems this problem of fluctuating power seems to occur comes only when the truck is accelerating or cruising not when its decelerating or parked. I'm guessing here, but would it be worth it to try and tighten the belt that drives the alternator?? Is there something else that should be checked?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 29, 2008, 12:12 PM
Post #2 of 2
(1869 views)
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Re: Fluctuating Electrical Power
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Belt is self tensioned but that might have failed or belt stretched to limit. Engine off please, just feel the belt at a long stretch between pulleys - it shouldn't deflect much.
Your voltage readings are terrible. Are you going by the vehicle's gauge or another device? Just go get one - they don't cost that much - in fact splurge and get a multimeter - some decent ones under $30 and less - WallyWorld or wherever. Voltage at battery, engine off should read 12v or a touch higher if engine has been off for a while. Engine running it will jump up to like 14.3 or so with all accessories off and might drop to 13.5 or so with everything on but not lower or alternator can't keep up.
A problem with batteries is the hate being discharged and charged over and over. That just chops life expectancy right off of them each time. There are specific batteries that tolerate that but would be a specific request for a car and not needed.
Check all that but because it seems to be better when declerating the belt is suspect. Alts in these are somewhat famous for some strange things without warnings even. Those are DIY friendly to do if you are handy at all but do some testing yourself first.
Hey - computer geek: You can use that multi-meter for your puter junk too! You know all those boxes that power thises and that - they emmboss the voltage outputs right on them and the polarity - cell phones and all that junk and I'm checking that junk with my automotive stuff! Now you tell me why someone picked 5v for USB ports as a voltage!?
T
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