Might need a new alternator

[bahollis]

I don't have any aftermarket stuff, just stock OEM stereo. I think my alternator might be going out. I'll probably get one from Autozone or Oreilly's here in town just because it's convenient.


Now, Autzone has Duralast brand... and Oreilly has Ultima brand. Does anyone know if one's better than the other, or are they both crap? I just want to replace my OEM alternator.

There's also a NAPA Auto store close by, and they sell Delphi remanufactured & new.

Which is best?

Thanks in advance.

BH

 

[puckhead]

Cant tell you which brand is better. But have you thought about upgrading to a higher output? Might be a good time to do it. If you have then never mind! lol

 

[bahollis]

Well, I am now thinking it might be the battery. When the truck is running the battery gauge sits perfectly in the middle and does not fluctuate. When I first noticed the problem I was sitting in my garage with the key in the ignition, with the aux on. I was checking to see if both my mirrors heated up when the rear defroster was on. I had the radio on, but at a low volume, and the headlights came on because it was pretty dark.
I decided to button everything up and roll the windows up, and that's when I noticed it. Both front windows barely made it up. So I tried to crank the engine, and got the tick-tick-tick-tick... gauges dimmed, clock f'd up, all the DIC messages went *******. Battery gauge was going from the bottom when I tried to crank it, and when I let off it went to about 8-10 (14 being the middle)

I put my 10A charger on the battery for about 10 minutes, and then it cranked right up.
When it's running, everything's A-OK. So it it possible for the Alternator to run the vehicle, but not charge the battery? I mean, if the battery is good that is.

I read something about a voltage regulator.. it's expensive as shit too. Gotta have a Tech replace & all that fun stuff.

I'm going to have the battery and alternator both checked out tomorrow. Battery is less than 2 years old, so it's under warranty.

And yes, if I have to buy an alternator I will upgrade. It's only about $50 more for a 140A.

Thanks!

BH

 

[bahollis]

Update:

Bad battery. Replaced by Sears under warranty.. For free.

Yay me.

BH

 

[puckhead]

Nothing beats that! Glad you figured it out!