bad alternator?

[Blam]

car wont start. makes no noises when I try to start it.

I tested the bttery and its good. it WILL start when boosted and will drive, BUT once I get down to idle speed my car gives out and I cant restart it withough boosting it. like the battery is dead. now if the alternator was dead my car would not drive right? anyone know whats up?

how long does it take to rip the alternator out myself? anyone know? (wanna get it tested as well)

its a 90 TSi awd
thanks

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

If the alternator is bad the car will run but will only use battery power for the accessories. It will most likely kill the battery. Plus the al wll not chage the battery.

When it runs, are the lights bright or are the pretty dim?

if they are dim, try to rev it up. If you can see the lights get brighter then your alt is most likely good.

 

[RoasT BeeF]

It wont even turn over unless you hold the throttle open? Is that what you are saying? Or will it just crank and not start?

 

[Blam]

it will startm it will drive, but once I idle it cuts out. alternator tested fine and so did the battery =\

 

[RoasT BeeF]

Could be as simple as adjusting the idle screw then. Try that.

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

Originally posted by RoasT BeeF
Could be as simple as adjusting the idle screw then. Try that.

Correct. The BISS screw could be almost falling out.

 

[Blam]

I tested the alternator and it was fine. put it back in and charged my battery. now my car runs? wtf is going on? my car idles fine though. abou 750rpms

 

[Blam]

o yes. my blitz turbo timer says the batery voltage is 13.3 which seems lower then it should be. =\

 

[Blam]

eek! no one knows what could be wrong? if its not the alternator or the battery what could cause my car to stall for no reason? I changed the fuel filter as well. dont know if that helped it at all though =\ I dont want my car to die when I'm parked at a red light and not be able to start it cuz my battery is dead or soemthing.....

 

[thehyena]

when in doubt...blame it on the BISS.... check the screw bro.