more electrical probs, alternator?

[tal0nted tsi]

had a short b4 and got that fixed and now im getting no power....er close to it....yesterday i had to get a jump and the battery was old and what not so i just replaced it. but now im getting really low voltages while driving. at first the voltages were around 12. but car seemed ok and was having no problems starting or anything. but tonite i was driving and the voltage started dropping more and more and by the time i stopped by the shop it was at like 10-9 sometimes 8V. and at this point the interior lights were dying and the light for the stereo was flashing. when i was putting up the window i heard scratchy noises from the speakers which leads me to believe it may be another short? i think it might be the alternator but i just wnated to see what u guys thought. just wanted to check b4 wasting any money so if u could give me a speed response id really appreciate it.

 

[Enigma_Man]

Sounds like alternator. I just had the same problem this last weekend.

When the car is running, you should see 13-14 volts at the battery... If you're getting less than that, then the alternator isn't charging. I would remove the alternator, and have it tested at Autozone or something.

Note: Something I learned the hard way. DON'T DRIVE W/O THE ALTERNATOR installed, take another car. The alternator belt also drives the water pump, and you'll overheat and possibly kill the engine. I lucked out I think.

-Jesse